Goa Election 2017: Polling ends in state with record voter turnout

High voter turnout will benefit us, claim both BJP and Cong

“The people came out in large numbers to vote for BJP. Voters have seen our good governance for last five years. They came out as they want BJP to continue in power,” state BJP chief Vinay Tendulkar said reacting to the high polling percentage.

“The high vote percentage is against BJP’s U-turns, corruption and taking people for granted,” All India Congress Committee secretary Girish Chodankar said.

Inputs from PTI

Sharp divide in voting pattern

Assembly constituencies located in the mining, tourism belts and rural areas of of Goa recorded a very high voter turnout, but the Catholic-dominated seats saw a comparatively lower polling, according to EC figures.

According to Goa Chief Electoral Officer Kunal, who released final figures last night, the overall polling percentage stood at 81. Out of the 11.10 lakh registered voters, 8,98,507 exercised their franchise.

Inputs from PTI

Poll panel’s awareness campaigns seem to have paid out

The Election Commission apparently spent Rs 40 lakh to organize a session in Panjim on 25 January, on how to mobilize a larger turnout than in 2012. That day, it did not seem that they could have much success, since voters by and large did not seem very enthusiastic about the array of parties.

In any case, Goa’s 82 per cent turnout in 2012 had already been very high by most standards. But the voters seem to have obliged

Record turnout despite tepid response to campaigns is startling

That Goa voter turnout will break last election’s record  is startling, given the lack of enthusiasm among voters until the last couple of days of the campaign. It could bring good news for AAP in some constituencies, given what I described as a `ripple of support’ (rather than a noticeable wave).

Many voters were holding their cards close to their chests – not revealing their preferences.

‘Spineless’ Election Commission has surrendered to Modi: Kejriwal

Calling it “spineless”, Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the EC has “completely surrendered” before Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Kejriwal’s remarks came in response to reports of people allegedly visiting polling booths with party symbols and other campaigning material, and also campaigning on social media and TV on polling day.

Multi-cornered fight in Mapusa

Goa deputy chief minister Francis D’Souza is locked in a multi-cornered contest from his home constituency Mapusa. 

Unlike Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar who is facing tough times in Mandrem, D’Souza may not encounter any major hiccup in wining Mapusa seat for the fifth consecutive term.

His 2014 controversial statement that India was a Hindu nation and that he was a Christian-Hindu may come handy in the Hindu majority Mapusa, North Goa’s business hub.

Among the six candidates in the fray includes Congress’ Vijay Bikhe, AAP’s Shradha Khalap and MGP’s Vinod Phadke who is facing corruption charges for misappropriation of funds as an office bearer of Goa Cricket Association.

D’Souza’s erstwhile Goa Su-Raj Party has also fielded it’s candidate. D’Souza had won his first election as it’s candidate in 1999 after a failed attempt in 1989 as an independent. 

He later joined BJP and emerged as it’s Christian face and won Mapusa seat in 2002, 2007 and 2012 when he was anointed deputy chief minister.

Poll officials at Government Primary School, Dhuler of Mapusa said that they were witnessing smooth but heavy polling. There are four polling booths in this school and by 3.30 pm over 65 percent voters had exercised their right to franchise.

Goa election polling update: North Goa 70% South Goa is 65%. Total 67%

— AAP In News (@AAPInNews) February 4, 2017

Total turnout is 67%. Male is 67% and female 31%.
In South, the turnout is 65%. male 65% and female 30%

— AAP In News (@AAPInNews) February 4, 2017

Goa election polling update: North Goa 70% South Goa is 65%. Total 67%

— AAP In News (@AAPInNews) February 4, 2017

Total turnout is 67%. Male is 67% and female 31%.
In South, the turnout is 65%. male 65% and female 30%

— AAP In News (@AAPInNews) February 4, 2017

Heavy polling in CM’s constituency

Brisk to heavy polling is being witnessed in Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar’s home constituency. 

Polling was delayed at one of the two booths located inside Government Primary School, Madhalamaj with EVM malfunctioning. According to a polling officer, voting was delayed by 75 minutes. 

Parsekar has been winning this seat repeatedly. However, he is not in a comfortable position this time with Congress party, erstwhile ally MGP and AAP making his situation shaky. Yhey have chosen this constituency to show their might against the CM. 

With BJP deciding against naming him their chief ministerial face, Parsekar finds himself locked in a fierce seven cornered contest. Prominent among his rivals in the fray include Dayanand Sopte of Congress party, Devendra Krishnaji Prabhu Parsekar Desai of AAP and Shridhar Ladu Manjrekar of MGP.

Long queues are being seen here with polling officials expecting about 85 percent voter turn out.

Goa has recorded an overall voter turnout of 67% till 3 PM

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

No matter which party comes power, they should stick to their poll promises, says a voter at  Part 29 (Krishi Bhavan) in Panaji.

Senior citizen dies after cardiac arrest at Goa polling booth

A 78-year-old woman died after suffering a cardiac arrest outside a polling booth in Panaji, officials said on Saturday. Speaking to reporters, District Magistrate Nila Mohanan said that the deceased, Leslie Saldanha, was rushed to a private hospital by the staff where she was pronounced dead. 

IANS

Goa Voting update till 1pm in Mormugao - 55.48%
Cortalim-48.19%,
Dabolim-48.82%
Vasco-41.42%

— AAP In News (@AAPInNews) February 4, 2017

Manohar Parrikar is no longer the larger-than-life popular leader he was five years ago

Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar does not retain his earlier status as a larger-than-life leader of contemporary Goa.

Nobody speaks of him as the one who inspires them — not one in a series of conversations with voters during a journey that has taken one through more than half of Goa’s 40 constituencies over the past fortnight, from Mandrem in the far north to Carmona in the south, and from east of Ponda to Vasco Da Gama at the western end of Mormagao…

Multi-pronged fight 

Even on polling day, trends are not clearly discernible — notwithstanding tall claims by the ruling BJP and the challenger, AAP. In fact, the observation of a voter in Vasco Da Gama a few days ago — that `everyone is confused, even the parties are confused’ – rings true even today.

Voter turn out in North Goa 55%, in South Goa 52%. Total voter turnout in Goa till 1 pm 53%

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Voting in Siolim, North Goa 

EVM malfunctioning delayed voting by half an hour at one of the Siolim’s polling booths. Polling resumed after a new EVM was installed.

There are in all eight candidates in the fray, including two Independents. BJP’s Dayanand Mandrekar, the sitting MLA is seeking re-entry to the Assembly. 

A polling official at St. Francis Xavier’s School said voting was going on smoothly. There are two polling booths inside the school building. While in one booth 55 percent votes were cast by 1 pm, it was slightly lower in the other with 53 percent voters turning out to exercise their right to franchise.

‘Jo jeeta wahi sikander’

Voting going on smoothly at Booth no. 18 of Calangute constituency. People were seen coming with their voters’ ID card and standing quietly in the queue.

“It’s going on smoothly here. Response is very good. I guess about 40 percent votes have already been cast in the past five hours since voting started at 7 am,” a Goa police officer on duty at the booth said. 

No political workers were visible for last minute coaxing to vote for their party. Calangute constituency with three candidates has least number of aspirants in the fray – BJP, Congress and AAP.

“Jo jeeta wahi sikander, " said a voter flaunting indelible ink mark on his finger, adding it’s tough to predict who has edge in this constituency.

BJP will be thrown out of Goa, Punjab

BJP ka safaya ho jayega yahi sanket mil raha hai: Lalu Prasad Yadav on #Goa & #Punjab elections pic.twitter.com/y3qzfrd6OB

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

​

The Campal (Panaji) polling booth, referred to as “Pink Polling Booth” is distributing teddy bears to first-time female voters.

Polling in Goa till 11am pic.twitter.com/vdUxeGDZj0

— AAP In News (@AAPInNews) February 4, 2017

South Goa's polling percentage: 32%, North Goa's polling percentage 35%. Goa's overall turnout till 11 am: 34% #GoaElection2017

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

#GoaElection2017 : Women cast their votes at the pink booth in Margao. pic.twitter.com/chU2my3YcD

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Teddy bears for first-time women voters 

Several first-time women voters who cast their ballot in Goa, were given pink teddy bears. Also, the polling booths are decorated with pink balloons, pink table cloths, pink walls, while polling officials were also seen wearing pink clothes.

“The teddy bears were given to first time voters in 40 specially designed polling booths across Goa,” Chief Electoral Officer Kunal told IANS.

Over 1,000 teddy bears have been ordered by the election officials.

75- year old woman casts her vote at polling booth no.14 in Goa's Margao #GoaElection2017 pic.twitter.com/5cLXcGJO8h

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

High turnout is often associated with anti-incumbency

The 16 percent turnout reported from north Goa sounds like there’s more enthusiasm there than in south Goa, where the figure was 14 percent. High turnout is often associated with anti-incumbency. But, in the north, it probably won’t favour the Congress, which is relatively stronger in Christian-dominated Salcete in the south. Beyond that, it’s difficult to say which way these votes might go. They may be scattered towards different options, but might consolidate behind one candidate in each constituency.

Officials from the Election Commission, accompanied by police, are visiting the polling booths in Panaji to monitor the situation.

BJP ko thoda sa fark padega;4000votes se 1000votes kum ho jayenge,par BJP hi jeetegi: Shripad Naik,BJP on Rebel RSS leader Subhash Velingkar pic.twitter.com/R2ll1OKw9s

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Early turnout in Goa has been twice as much as in Punjab

The early turnout in Goa has been twice as much as in Punjab. To a large extent, that has to do with the weather. While it’s pretty cold in Punjab, Goa gets very hot after around 11 am, and stays hot till around 4 pm. So, no wonder, Goans would want to go to their polling booths early and voters in Punjab would want to wait for the early morning cold to subside a bit.

Voters have started coming in. There’s not a long queue but more people are expected to walk-in after 11- 11:30 am. Security in polling booths has been beefed up.

‘BJP will form the next govt in Goa’

Union AYUSH minister Shripad Naik on Saturday expressed confidence that BJP would be forming the next government in Goa with a comfortable majority, bagging 21-26 seats in the 40-member State Legislative Assembly.

“We are going to get the majority votes. My prediction is that we will get between 21 to 26 seats,” said Naik. “Considering the response received by BJP, we feel the party will get two-three more seats than the last time. The voters have shown tremendous enthusiasm in favour of BJP which was witnessed during the election campaign,” the minister said.

PTI

Goa and Punjab will create history today.

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 4, 2017

I am a party man, let party decide: Parrikar

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday said that he is a “party man” who will work as per the directions of party leaders while choosing to keep mum on the whether he will return to Goa.

“Iske bareme apko Aamitji ne kaha hai, jo kaha hai utna hi mai wapas repeat karoonga (I will repeat what Amitji (Amit Shah) has said on this issue). I am a partyman, let party decide,” he told reporters when asked if he would be the next Goa CM, if his party is voted to power.
 

When pointed out to his remarks that he likes Goan food, Parrikar responded, “I have lost four kg in Delhi, the main reason is food.”

“I have not said anything I only said I like Goan food. You can derive any meaning out of it,” he commented.

PTI

Parikkar is my target becasue he is solely responsible for the tragedy that came to us: Subhash Velingkar, rebel RSS Chief

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 4, 2017

Parikkar is my target becasue he is solely responsible for the tragedy that came to us: Subhash Velingkar, rebel RSS Chief

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 4, 2017

Parikkar is my target becasue he is solely responsible for the tragedy that came to us: Subhash Velingkar, rebel RSS Chief

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 4, 2017

North Goa has recorded a voting percentage of 16%, while South Goa recorded 14% with an overall turnout of 15%, till 9 am #GoaPolls

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Polling percentage #Goa till 9.02 am pic.twitter.com/zZTzeL2Rhm

— AAP In News (@AAPInNews) February 4, 2017

Though BJP has provided stability to the state, it does not guarantee the party’s success

The south-western coastal state Goa, which until not long ago was known for redefining the ‘Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram’ brand of politics originally authored by Late Bhajan Lal as Haryana chief minister, is staring at a crucial voting taking place Saturday to elect its new State Legislative Assembly. 

BJP provided the rare stability and managed to run the government without indulging in horse-trading, virtually ending what is locally known as ‘suitcase politics’, symbolising purchase of elected lawmakers with money power.

That stability, however, is no guarantee to BJP’s success with the confusion prevailing on the eve of polling.

Senior citizens cast their vote at a polling booth in South Goa's Margaon #GoaPolls pic.twitter.com/t0pCyTzWzC

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Urging people of Punjab & Goa to turnout in record numbers & vote in the Assembly elections. I particularly urge my young friends to vote.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 4, 2017

8,000 additional paramilitary personnel deployed

Polling for Goa’s 40 Assembly seats started at 7 am on Saturday morning. A total of 251 candidates are contesting the polls. Over 8,000 additional paramilitary personnel, in addition to the state police, have been deployed at the 1,642 polling stations across the state and other strategic locations to maintain law and order. 

Goa has 11.08 lakh registered voters, who are entitled to exercise their franchise. 

Polling ends at 5 pm. 

The 2012 state Assembly polls recorded a highest ever voting percentage in the state last year at 82.2 percent. 

IANS

We will win with complete and comfortable majority, will continue development work and most importantly job creation: Goa CM #GoaPolls pic.twitter.com/nvdm7Dd1xq

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Goa CM Laxmikant Parsekar casts his vote at a polling booth in North Goa's Arambol #GoaPolls pic.twitter.com/d8E8qWlqBK

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Security deployed outside polling station in Goa's Panaji; voters queue up at polling station to cast their vote #GoaPolls pic.twitter.com/uM1Elm98uD

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar stands in queue at polling booth in Panaji to cast his vote #GoaPolls pic.twitter.com/3FfjNpTfVG

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Initial reports suggest good turnout,Goa might cross last years turnout of 84% & BJP will win with 2/3rd majority-Manohar Parrikar #GoaPolls pic.twitter.com/JRjkf9h9A9

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

#TopStory: Polling for assembly elections to be held in Goa for 40 seats; to start at 7 am.

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Subhash Velingkar proving to be a tough competitor to Goa BJP

Velingkar has continued with his attack on the BJP and its leaders for their neglect of regional languages, especially in primary schools. His role and that of the GSM are proving to be a thorn in the BJP’s flesh. Neither the Congress, nor the AAP, nor the MGP has been able to match the intensity of Velingkar’s accusations and singularly anti-BJP campaign, which has the RSS and the BJP cadre in a bind. Read more.

With inputs from IANS

Goa’s percentage vote margin over the years

Michael Lobo and his rags to riches story

Starting his career by washing dishes at a restaurant, he rose through ranks to become a manager and a subsequently a successful businessman. He presently owns half a dozen restaurants and a few resorts and has declared his assets worth Rs. 54 crore, making him the second richest candidate in Goa polls, though many feel he is worth much more. Apparently he has shared his riches with the needy that makes him popular and worked for people and his constituency.

The electoral battle in Calangute

Goa’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is definitely not the first choice party of the Christian community despite taking the risk of not fulfilling its 2012 promise of stopping funding the Church-run English medium schools. The rival Congress party is their natural first choice.

Yet BJP is confident of retaining the Calangute seat, thanks to its incumbent lawmaker Michael Lobo who won this seat for the first time ever for BJP in 2012 polls.

E-ballot to debut in Goa on 4 February

For the very first time, all the 40 seats in Goa will be covered by ETPBS (Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System).

Two-way electronic transmission has not been recommended by the Election Commission for security and secrecy reasons. The armed forces personnel serving in remote and border areas would be greatly benefited since the present system of two-way transmission of ballot paper by the postal services has not been able to meet the  expectations of the service voters.

With inputs from PTI

Elvis Gomes on corruption charges against him 

“It doesn’t surprise me anymore. A lot has been done to bring AAP down but it is for the judiciary and silent voters of Goa to decide, and I have faith in them.” Read more.

Time for Parsekar to come out of Parrikar’s shadow?

Ajay Jha writes , “Given the lacklustre performance of Parsekar and pollsters predicting that the BJP can, at the most, hope to emerge as the single largest party in a hung Assembly, the party has decided not to seek votes in the name of Modi, lest his image gets dented. It can’t afford to seek votes in the name of an uninspiring Parsekar either”.

Model Code of Conduct hits tourism in Candolim

Tourists have been feeling grumpy ever since the model code of conduct came into effect on 4 January. Wine shops, shacks, hotels and bars were strictly told that they must pull down the shutters by 10 pm. Those who opted to test efficiency of the authorities were penalised by over half a million rupees. Their business suffered in peak tourist season but they were left with no choice but to fall in line.

BJP losing minority votes?

The most commonly noticeable pattern in a generally lacklustre round of elections is that very few Christians or Muslims appear to back the BJP this time, except those who are close to particular minority candidates. Read more.

Luizinho Faleiro: A key player for Congress

While the BJP has Manohar Parrikar, the Congress has his match in state unit president and two time chief minister Luizinho Faleiro. In the last few weeks, Falerio, through clever selection of candidates and out-maneuvering aggressive alliance-seeking parties, has helped gain lost ground for the party, which was in tatters since its battering in 2012. Read more.

Many seats may be won narrowly

In a state where the average number of electorates in constituencies range anywhere between 20,000 and 30,000, close fight between the two parties – in Goa’s case between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) – can often swing a seat with just a few votes. Read more here.

Twin effect of demonetisation and Mopa Airport 

The Hotel E Dalian Holiday Village is located on the border of north and south Goa. The manager says that demonetisation has affected business. 

Ali Hazrat and Joanita Cutinho say that Mopa airport will largely affect their business. They also speculate that apart from hoteliers, taxi and cab services will also be affected once the airport starts functioning.

Polling in Goa on 4 February

Over 11 lakh voters in Goa are eligible to exercise their right to franchise to elect members for the 40-seat state Assembly. Voting across 1,642 polling booths in the state would begin on Saturday at 7 am and culminate at 5 pm.

Inputs from PTI

Mopa airport controversy

Bonny, general manager of three-star Sapphire Comfort Hotel in South Goa (Madgao) felt that their business wouldn’t be affected much due to Mopa Airport.

He said, “The three-star hotels here earn their revenues majorly out of conferences and corporate bookings. We believe that we will retain our clients despite the construction of the new airport.”

He further added that five-star hotels in the region might get affected since there are a number of luxurious hotels coming up in North Goa, posing them a big threat.

“Most of our clients book online so it didn’t affect the bookings much, but yes, there was a little drop which is quite usual with the cash crunch that occurred,” he said.

Factionalism hits Congress in Goa?

What is alarming for the party is that the Fatorda controversy suggests factionalism is very much prevalent in the party’s central office since Faleiro was supposed to be in constant touch with a senior leader in New Delhi when party’s Fatorda block president Joseph Silva filed his nomination and presented the mandatory Form B, duly signed by Faleiro, establishing his credentials as the official Congress party candidate from the constituency. Read more here.

Medium of Instruction (MoI) issue may be key in Goa

Under the noise and clutter of the ongoing elections in Goa too, language lurks as an issue — not of ethnic but of religious identity. The chief issue over which RSS strongman Subhash Velingkar split from the BJP a few months ago was that the state government was subsidising schools in which languages other than Konkani and Marathi were the medium of instruction.

Rahul Gandhi attacked BJP government on demonetisation

Gandhi had alleged the BJP government in the state of siding with the notorious mining mafia. “They have sided with the mining mafia, and through notebandi, ensured the state’s tourism industry has also been affected”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s formula for victory

Modi’s formula for Goa is simple: Give boost to tourism and infrastructure development, which in turn will create more employment opportunities. Modi offered a bargain by promising to make Goa a “comfortable state” if the BJP returns to power with a “comfortable majority”.

Inputs from Ajay Jha

Elvis Gomes’ economic stance is liberal 

His vision of governance is liberal in the economic sense — ‘hassle-free public services’ obtained through ’non-dependence on MLAs’; he wants ‘reduction of interface’ with the government.

Inputs from David Devadas

Multi-pronged fight

While the BJP is banking heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and defence minister and former chief minister of Goa Manohar Parrikar to deliver a consecutive victory for the saffron party, the party is facing multi-pronged issues.

The BJP’s one-time ally MGP has left the ruling alliance to form its own with the Shiv Sena and Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM). The GSM is being led by Subhash Velingkar, the former Goa head of the RSS. Unhappiness over ticket distribution also adds to the list of woes for the party.

Key players in this election

Gomes on influence of Kejriwal if AAP comes to power in Goa

“Arvind Kejriwal will continue to be a guiding force. He has got the political as well as administrative experience. When it will come to policy formulation, we will seek his guidance. However, by and large all Goa issues will be handled by us,” AAP chief ministerial candidate Elvis Gomes told Firstpost.

With inputs from Mihir Ved

Key issues in Goa polls

Here is a look at the 2012 and 2014 performances of the political parties 

AAP gains in Goa
 
AAP is the only party that has positive support across large parts of Goa — particularly along the relatively heavily populated coastal belt. Most observers, even among AAP activists, say their support is the greatest in the Christian-dominated Salcete belt in south Goa. However, several Christians and others in north Goa areas like Mapusa too are drawn towards AAP.

Inputs from David Devadas

Arvind Kejriwal hits out at Narendra Modi on eve of polls

Modiji's dirty tricks. Losing badly in Goa n Punjab, he tries to de-register the winning party 24 hrs before elections. Shameless dictator https://t.co/XMSdXj1OSg

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 3, 2017

Campaign ends

The high-octane, calumny-filled campaign for the assembly elections in Punjab and Goa, billed as the first major test of the Modi government’s
popularity post-demonetisation, ended on Thursday. 

PTI

​’Model code of conduct has affected the business badly’

Yogi, a manager at Red Lobsters shack on Baga Beach, says that the tourists were stranded after demonetisation. The foreign tourists did not get much help from the government.

“Very few shacks on the beach had swiping machines. We had to accept old notes. We inflated the bills of those who made payments in old currency. Fortunately, the vegetable vendors and people in the fish market accepted old currency from us. We started using Paytm, but by the time of the new year, we had reached our Paytm limits which posed a problem during the peak season,” he says. 

During off seasons, many people go to Manali to find work, he adds.  

Yodi added that the model code of conduct has affected the business badly. Sale of alcohol is prohibited after 10:30 pm, which has had an impact on tourist turnout.

Inputs from Mihir Ved

‘It is difficult for people to find employment during the off season’

Satish, who owns a shack — Laxmi Bar and Restaurant — at the popular Baga Beach, says the BJP government has worked on the infrastructure in the region to ensure that tourists don’t have to suffer — wider roads, more street lights, streets have been resurfaced. “During demonetisation, the first four days were difficult, especially for the tourists. But we kept accepting the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes since we had the time to deposit them till December 30. Moreover, tourists who arrived in Goa after November 15 had come prepared, which reduced our burden. There was a slight drop in the number of tourists during the drive. But Goa was full of tourists during the New Year like it has been every year.”

“Government hasn’t done anything to provide employment to people who don’t have work during these slack seasons. Many of these people come from Karnataka and other regions of the country. When the tourism is not at its peak, they return to their hometown to earn their livelihood,” he says. 

Inputs from Mihir Ved

‘Tourism sector took a hit after demonetisation’

Ashok, a shopkeeper on Calangute Beach Road, sells bags and purses. He says after demonetisation, though tourists came to Goa, the spending had gone down drastically. They spent on food and accommodation but didn’t spend much on shopping, which affected their business. He added that the situation was better during the Congress rule and things have not changed much in the last five years.

Inputs from Mihir Ved

Demonetisation impact

Krishna Yadav, a garment shop owner at Calangute Beach Road says that the number of tourists reduced after demonetisation and business that slower than usual in December. But he believes that the drive is a stepping stone to digital economy. 

Inputs from Mihir Ved

Demonetisation effect on people

“It has certainly affected us. When we needed a change for a 2000 rupee note, we had to pay a commission of 200-400 rupees to dealers,” says  a Goan citizen. Watch the video here.

Inputs from Mihir Ved

BJP did not fulfil promises, says Mapusa resident

“BJP has been talking of development but we can’t see any of it on ground, atleast in Mapusa. Development lies only on paper. This is why we are supporting Rahul Gandhi this time. The government has not generate employment and only given us promises without fulfilling them. 

Development and unemployment are major issues in Goa. While we can see that Narednra Modi is doing soem good work, it is not seen on ground here. 

There are buildings here but they do not have parking spaces. Garbage is also another issue. BJP’s intention is to lie and fool people. 

Manohar Parrikar did some good work for two years but his rule  also saw many u-turns too. After coming to power, he dropped the Medium of Instruction isue. While he was in opposition, Parrikar promised he would shift casions from Mandovi to deep sea. However, once he came to power, he took a u-turn. Now the government says that casinos geenrate revenue for the state. 

Casinos has often destroyed the families of many Goans. Note ban has been poorly planned. The 2000-rupee note has been an underperformer as traders are always short of change for the new 2000-rupee note. People have to end up paying more.”

With inputs from Mihir Ved

BJP President Amit Shah to address a public rally in North Goa 

BJP chief Amit Shah will be in North Goa, where he will address a public rally at 7 pm. This would be the second biggest star rally after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Panaji on 28 January.

Lacklustre response to Rahul Gandhi’s rally

Congress party vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s election rally at the North Goa’s Mapusa town failed to infuse enthusiasm to his party workers as his brief 18-minute speech lacked substance and focus.

Gandhi arrived to the rally venue, Bodgeshwar Temple ground, in a chopper some 90 minutes behind the schedule. He was received on the dais with a huge garland, which has become a fad and may trace it’s origin down south. Senior leaders of the Goa Congress spoke in his presence and indulged in the typical Congress style flattering while Gandhi appeared disinterested. Of course, he was not expected to follow the local dialect Konkani.  

As Gandhi winded up his uninspiring speech, the stage master had a tough task provoking raise zindabad slogans. None appeared keen on saying ‘Rahul Gandhi zindabad’ and ‘Congress zindabad’.

Gandhi took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had addressed an election rally couple of days ago in the state capital Panaji, stating that Modi speaks lies and had made false promises to Goa’s voters. He accused Modi of running Goa through remote control and ruining the state saying Goa can’t be run by a “dictator” sitting in Delhi and promised an honest Congress government in Goa.

“Give us power and we will eradicate corruption and unemployment from Goa. Our doors will always be open for the Congress workers and all Goans,” Gandhi promised.

The organisers had set a modest target of getting 20,000 people to attend the rally. However, half the barricaded ground remained empty. The attendance was much smaller than Gandhi’s 16 December rally he addressed at South Goa’s Fatroda, which happened to be his first ever public meeting in Goa. 

Inputs from Ajay Jha

Congress not ready for any compromise, will work properly and eliminate corruption from Goa: Rahul Gandhi,Cong VP in Mapusa pic.twitter.com/dbd5WN6a8L

— ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2017

Modi ji apne 'Mann ki Baat' karte hain, kabhi kisiko kaha hai ki apne mann ki baat batao? apne dil ki baat batao?: Rahul Gandhi,Cong VP pic.twitter.com/OwI7ZILBcM

— ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2017

PM Modi says I have eliminated corruption, but entire Goa knows PM is lying. Even the PM knows this fact:Congress Vice Pres Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/lspe13Ipeb

— ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2017

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi addressing a rally in Mapusa #Goapolls pic.twitter.com/j7ul5fGNMC

— ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2017

Reactions after Modi’s rally in Goa

Reactions after Modi’s rally in Goa

People talk about demonetisation and the Narendra Modi govt

AAP’s campaign in Goa

At multiple street corners in Goa, volunteers are seen holding posters urging people to vote for AAP. “If our party leaders are involved in scams and get arrested, they stick to the judicial procedures prescribed. If it were a minister from any other political party, they would vandalise public property and cause unrest. AAP has brought a new culture. There’s a judicial system and we believe in it,” says Saidalvi (31) from Kerala. 

“The door-to-door campaign in Goa has helped us a lot. Standing at the roadside and attracting passers-by is contributing too. We handover our manifesto to them and believe they will go through all the manifestos and choose wisely. Making people aware of the new culture is our main aim. Even if we lose, we hope that people will like this change in future.”

Close to 500 volunteers have come from different parts of the country to spread the word and they can be seen on the streets across Goa. 

Inputs from Mihir Ved

The BJP manifesto

Fadnavis releases manifesto

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis released the Goa manifesto on Sunday. He talked employment in Goa and said that the manifesto has been prepared keeping in mind its executive applicability. 

From Mihir Ved

Modi’s short speech at Panaji rally checked all boxes that it should

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared a bit subdued by his standards as he addressed a big crowd seeking comfortable majority for his party in Goa.

He arrived an hour behind the schedule, spoke for half an hour and quickly rounded up his speech saying his chopper must take off before sunset.

However, he conveyed all that mattered to BJP and Goa, read Ajay Jha’s analysis here .

Watch: PM Modi’s speech at Panaji election rally

Modi invokes surgical strikes, congratulates Goa for giving India a “strong defence minister”

Modi said that India is thankful to Goa for giving it a strong defence minister in Manohar Parrikar, while adding that the whole world is talking about the surgical strikes India conducted against Pakistan

I am being tortured because I acted against the corrupt: Modi

PM Modi said that demonetisation has affected the corrupt and spoilt the earnings amassed by “some people” in the past 70 years. He said that the corrupt in democracy will not let anybody flourish. “Loktantra ke jebkatre kisi ka bhala nahi hone _deng_e,” Modi said.

He also said that the opposition parties are working very hard to build a false narrative of BJP influencing the poll panel because they don’t want take the responsibility of losing the elections.

Don’t enter the battle field if you don’t trust the umpire: Modi on allegations of BJP influencing EC

Modi said that some people are saying that it is surprising, how Punjab and Goa (both ruled by the BJP) are going to polls on the same day. He said that such allegations just show the nervousness of the Opposition parties.

Some saying PMO pressurised EC for simultaneous elections in Punjab, Goa. If you don't trust the umpire, then why enter the battlefield?: PM pic.twitter.com/1bMosP8JoM

— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2017

Modi hits out Congress, says people are done with the party

“People of Goa have seen the corruption and misgovernance of the Congress party,”  Modi said while stating that the Party is already afraid of the outcome of the polls.

PM Modi congratulates Goa state government for five years of good governance

Narendra Modi said that the BJP-led governemnt in Goa has worked for the development of the people at all fronts. Lauding the government for it’s work, he said that the state government’s work has inspired other states. “The Goa government’s work is an example for other small and big states in India,” he said

Modi tries to woo voters by promising to focus on tourism

Addressing an election rally in the poll bound state, Modi said that when people though that the field of tourism has lost it’s sheen, the BJP government in the Centre worked for its development. He said that with the help of the state government, the BJP government has worked to boost tourism in India.

For Goa's economic development and employment, we are emphasising on tourism by working shoulder to shoulder with state Govt: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/XnArN4GDpW

— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2017

If you give me comfortable majority, we will make Goa the most comfortable state in India: Narendra Modi

Speaking at a rally in Panaji, PM Modi appealed to the voters to choose BJP once again to see Goa develop even more. He said that if the BJP government wins with a comfortable majority, it will make goa the most comfortable state in India.

Narendra Modi arrives at a rally in Panaji

PM Modi addressing a rally in Panaji #GoaPolls pic.twitter.com/vUszkYvqDE

— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2017

Narendra Modi has arrived in Panaji for his only rally in Goa

All roads in the Goa capital Panaji seemed to lead to just one place — Campal Ground, venue of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s only rally in the build up of 4 February polling to elect the new state legislative Assembly. So much so that even the conductor of a city bus was seen having fun. 

Read the full story here .