In Goa, 215 candidates have remained in the fray after scrutiny and withdrawal of nominations for ensuing assembly polls slated on March 3. Our Correspondent reports that most constituencies in the state will witness multi-cornered contests. Even as 215 candidates, including 206 males and nine females, have been left in the fray for the March 3 elections to the Goa state assembly after 40 aspirants withdrew their nominations on the final day.
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In all, 17 recognised or registered political parties have fielded 141 candidates, including seven women in the 40 constituencies in the state. Independents numbering 74 account for the rest of the candidates left in the fray. While 119 are contesting from North Goa district, the number of candidates from South Goa district is 96.
The Congress has fielded the largest number of candidates (33), including two women candidates, while the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded 28 candidates, all of whom are males. The Trinamool Congress has fielded 18 males and two females, while the Nationalist Congress Party has fielded seven candidates.
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While four constituencies – Poriem, Sanquelim, Marcaim and Curchorem – will witness direct contest between Congress nominees and that of the Bharatiya Janata Party-Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party alliance; Canacona constituency will be the only constituency to witness three-cornered battle.
There will be four-cornered fight in six constituencies – Bicholim, Mapusa, Calangute, St Andre, Dabolim and Navelim, while five candidates each will fight it out in 14 constituencies – Tivim, Porvorim, Aldona, Panaji, Cumbharjua, Maem, Valpoi, Priol, Shiroda, Cortalim, Curtorim, Margao, Quepem and Sanvordem.
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The largest number of 11 contestants has been left in the fray in Vasco constituency, followed by Saligao 10 and Pernem 9. Fatorda, Cuncolim and St Cruz would witness eight-cornered fight, while Ponda, Mormugao, Benaulim and Sanguem will witness seven-cornered fight. In Mandrem, Siolim, Taleigao and Nuvem there would be six-cornered contest.
