"Goa stands with good governance, progressive politics": PM Modi congratulates NDA workers for winning zilla panchayat polls
Panaji (Goa), December 22
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) workers for securing huge wins in the zilla panchayat polls and beating their previous record of 20 seats in the 2022 assembly polls.
As of 7 PM, in the 50-member Zilla panchayat body, Bharatiya Janata Party, in alliance with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, has won in 30 seats, while Congress won 9, and Goa Forward Party, Aam Aadmi Party, and the Revolutionary Goans Party have won 1 seat each.
Thanking the people of the state for "blessing" the NDA alliance with such strong support, PM Modi said that the NDA is committed to boosting the dreams and aspirations of the people.
"I thank my sisters and brothers of Goa for blessing the BJP-MGP (NDA) family with strong support in the Zilla Panchayat elections. This will add more vigour to our efforts for Goa's growth. We are committed to boosting the dreams and aspirations of the people of this wonderful state. Our hardworking NDA Karyakartas have done commendable work on the ground, which has led to this result," PM Modi said.
Meanwhile, Goa Chief Minister also hailed the NDA victory, thanking party leaders and workers for their commitment to grassroots empowerment, and people centric governance.
"Heartiest congratulations to all the newly elected Zilla Panchayat members of the BJP-MGP (NDA) Alliance. This strong mandate reflects the people's faith in the Double Engine Sarkar, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the guidance of BJP National president JP Nadda, and BJP national working president Nitin Nabin, along with our shared commitment to grassroots empowerment and people-centric governance," he said.
"I am confident the BJP-led Alliance will accelerate all-round development, strengthen transparent and accountable governance, and work towards a Viksit Goa and Viksit Bharat," he said.
Polling for the for the zilla panchayat elections started at 8 AM on December 20 for the 50-member local body.
For the smooth conduct of polling, the SEC had set up around 1,284 polling stations, with 658 located in North Goa and 626 in South Goa.
Unlike previous elections, electronic voting machines were not being used, and polling was being conducted through ballot papers.
The Zilla Panchayat elections are being viewed as a crucial political contest ahead of the 2027 Goa Assembly elections, with the results expected to influence future alliances and electoral strategies in the state.
In the 2022 Assembly polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the single largest party with 20 seats, followed by the Congress with 11 seats. The Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and the Aam Aadmi Party won two seats each, while independents secured three seats and other candidates accounted for the remaining two.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see local governance getting attention. Zilla panchayats are crucial for rural development. Hope the elected members focus on clean water, waste management, and preserving Goa's unique environment. The victory margin is impressive.
While I respect the democratic verdict, I hope this doesn't lead to complacency. The opposition is fragmented, which helped. The real test is delivering at the panchayat level – fixing local roads, ensuring fair prices for farmers, and transparent use of funds. Accountability is key.
Interesting to see the use of ballot papers instead of EVMs. Maybe more states should consider this for local body polls to increase voter confidence. The result seems decisive though. Goa's development model is often discussed nationally.
BJP+MGP alliance working well. Shows the importance of strong local partners. Congress reduced to single digits is a big message. People want stability and a government that works with the centre. 2027 assembly election picture is getting clearer.
As a Goan, I just hope this translates to better facilities in our villages. Too much focus on coastal areas sometimes. Need development in the interiors too – schools, healthcare, and job opportunities for youth. Hope the new members listen to us.
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