Cong sweeps Zila Panchayat polls http://www.ndtv.com/morenews/showmorestory.asp?slug=Cong+sweeps+Zila+Panchay at+polls&id=70093 Thursday, March 17, 2005 (Panaji):
For the Goa state Congress, it is a time to celebrate. The results of the recently held Zila Panchayat elections has come as a shot in the arm for the party, after the decision to impose President's rule in the state. Congress candidates swept the Zila Panchyat elections, winning 30 of the 50 seats in North and South Goa. Setback for BJP The BJP on the other hand suffered a major setback after it won just 11 seats with North Goa witnessing the party's worst performance. BJP candidates won just nine seats in the 30-member body. But party leaders kept up a brave front. "It is not a defeat for us neither is it a setback for our performance. The candidates supported by us have won in multiple numbers," said Rajendra Arlekar. List of claimants But as is usually the case in Goa, the Congress now has to deal with the task of placating the long list of claimants for the main post of chairperson. Four candidates have already staked claim for the post of Chairperson in south Goa. In North Goa, Jeniffer Monserrate is likely to be called upon to head the Zila Panchayat. Forwarded by Eddie Verdes
