BJP MLA Rajesh Patnekar was elected speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly today. Mr Patnekar, who represents the Bicholim assembly constituency, garnered 22 votes over the 16 votes received by Congress leader Pratapsingh Rane during the assembly session convened today. <br />''<br />''The 22 votes for Mr Patnekar include 16 from BJP MLAs, and three each from Goa Forward Party legislators and independents. <br />''<br />''The 16 votes for Mr Rane include 15 from Congress legislators and one from the lone Maharasthrawadi Gomantak Party MLA in the 40-member house. The lone Nationalist Congress Party MLA Churchill Alemao was not present for voting.<br />''<span style="color: #222222;"><br />''The post of the speaker fell vacant after Pramod Sawant became Goa Chief Minister in March this year following the demise of former CM Manohar Parrikar. </span><br />