Panaji: The incumbent BJP seems confident to return to power in the tiny coastal state of Goa with the ruling party seeking a third straight term in power in the state. According to reports, Goa BJP leaders will be meeting the Governor today itself to stake claim for the formation of the government.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant claimed that the Saffron party is set to form a government in the state. "We will take MGP and independent candidates with us," he added.
Celebrations have begun at the BJP office in Goa as Assembly polls counting indicated that the party is inching closer to the half-way mark.
So far, the BJP has emerged victorious in seven seats and is leading in 13 more while the Congress is trailing with wins in just 3 seats and are leading in 8 other. It is to be noted that the Goa Legislative Assembly has a total of 40 seats.
Congress chief ministerial prospect Digambar Kamat has won from the Margao seat with 13,674 votes while Amit Palekar, the AAP's CM candidate is trailing in St. Cruz. On the other hand, Utpal Parrikar, son of former Defence Minister Late Manohar Parrikar, has lost in Panaji to the BJP's Atanasio Monseratte, popularly known as Babush.
The AAP has managed to bag two seats with party supremo Arvind Kejriwal congratulating both the winning candidates on their victory via Twitter.
The Mamata Banerjee led Trinamool Congress (TMC) are yet to open their account.
"We accept this mandate with all humility. We commit ourselves to work harder to earn the trust and love of every Goenkar. No matter how long it takes, we will be here and we will continue to serve the people of Goa," says TMC.
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that the BJP is confident of winning at least 20 seats and added that independent candidates are siding with the Saffron party.
The current table stands at BJP with 20 seats, the Congress with 11 while the the AAP is clocked at 2.
As per reports, the oath taking ceremony in Goa will take place on March 14.
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