Panaji (GOA)The voters of Panaji and Valpoi assembly constituency will cast their vote on Wednesday to elect their new representative in the State Assembly. Total 51,032 voters are eligible to cast their vote during the by-election which includes 22,203 voters in Panjim and 28,829 voters in Valpoi.
The by-polling for the two assembly constituency will take place at 76 polling station, 30 in Panaji and 46 in Valpoi, from 8.00am onward.
The polling process will be webcasted and will be held through VVPAT- Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail along with the EVM machines. The by-elections will also witness two Model Polling Booths-All Women Pink polling booths-one in each constituency.
There are total seven candidates in fray, which include four in Panaji and three in Valpoi.
BJP has fielded sitting Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar from Panaji, who will be battling against Congress’ Girish Chodankar, Anand Shirodkar of Goa Suraksha Manch and Independent Kenneth Silveira.
In Valpoi, BJP leader and State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane is contesting against Congress’ Roy Naik and Independent Rohidas Gaonkar.
North Goa Collector Nila Mohanan told reporters that nearly nearly 1000 police security consisting of Goa police, IRB and CPMF companies being deployed at both the assembly constituencies.
“Six stations are identified as criticial stations in panaji, while there are no critical booths in Valpoi,” she said.
The counting is scheduled to take place on August 28 at the old GMC complex- the strong room, where all the EVMs and VVPATs would be kept post polling. “Political parties or candidates can view the strong room using CCTV footage. The strong room will be under complete supervision of the Central Police force,” Mohanan said.
She informed that under various Sections of CrPC (preventive measures), 418 people were issued notices.
Team TNV