New Delhi: Despite a fractured verdict, Congress-NCP combine is set to retain power in Goa after they bagged 19 seats in the 40-member Goa Assembly, just two short of an absolute majority.
The main Opposition BJP secured 14 seats, while the rebel Congress leader Churchill Alemao's party – the Save Goa Front – bagged two seats. Another regional party, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party also bagged two seats and independents won in the remaining two.
Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane's son, Vishwajit, who won as an independent candidate, has already announced that he would support the Congress, taking the tally up to 20, just one short of the majority.
“I will work hard and keep the promises to those who have led me to victory,” a visibly happy Vishwajit said.
The one seat required for majority could come from either the MGP, which was already part of outgoing Rane government or from other independent Anil Salgaonkar, who won from Sanvordem seat.
The BJP has virtually conceded defeat, with BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy saying the party had failed to get as many seats as expected.
The Congress has announced that its newly-elected legislators would meet to chalk out the future course of action. Indications are that outgoing Chief Minister Rane is expected to be elected as leader of the legislative party.
In all, 202 candidates, including 49 independents, were in the fray for the election that was held on June 2.
BJP concedes defeat
The BJP on Tuesday said the party got "less seats than it hoped for" in the Goa Assembly elections.
"We had appealed to the voters of Goa for a complete mandate but we did not get it," senior party leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy told PTI.
BJP leader and chief ministerial candidate Manohar Parrikar, who won the Panjim seat, said that he was happy with his victory and credited it to the fact that no one could challenge him when it came to promoting development in the state.
(With inputs from PTI)
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