In a significant political development in Goa, several women candidates have defied expectations and registered impressive victories in the recent Zilla Panchayat elections. The most notable wins came from constituencies that were not even reserved for women, marking a powerful statement in the state's local body politics.
Emotional Victories Against the Odds
The scene at the zilla panchayat counting hall in Peddem stadium on Monday was one of raw emotion. Mary alias Maria Menezes emerged with tears in her eyes after securing a crucial win for the Congress party. She clinched the Aldona ZP seat, snatching it from the sitting member who belonged to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her victory was particularly remarkable as it was achieved from a general seat, not one reserved for women.
"I am so overwhelmed that I am unable to recall even the names of all the workers to thank them. I feel like crying out of happiness," an emotional Menezes said. She revealed that many supporters had assured her of their silent vote, which ultimately paved her path to victory.
She was not alone in her triumph. In Colvale, Kavita Kiran Kandolkar won the ZP seat as an independent candidate. She managed to defeat candidates fielded by the sitting BJP MLA of the area, Nilkanth Halarnkar, showcasing the growing influence of women candidates beyond party machinery.
A Message to Ruling Parties
Another significant victory for the Congress came from Benaulim, where candidate Luiza Rodrigues won the ZP seat. Rodrigues framed her win as a direct message to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has a sitting MLA and a sitting ZP member in the constituency.
"It was very tough for me to win this seat because there is a sitting MLA and a sitting ZP belonging to AAP in Benaulim. My win is a clear message to AAP that Congress is back," Rodrigues stated emphatically. She further interpreted the result as a precursor to the upcoming 2027 assembly elections, indicating a renewed fight to bring the Congress back to prominence in the state.
Even in seats that were reserved for women, the battles were fiercely contested. Inacina Pinto, the Goa Forward Party's candidate from Raia, faced the might of ruling party candidates. Her victory, achieved through relentless grassroots campaigning, was a testament to her direct connection with voters.
"It was very tough. I moved from house to house on several days and heard the people’s grievances. I am very happy that people saw my effort and I thank them for making me win with such a big margin," Pinto shared.
The Spirit of Participation
While the elections celebrated victories, they also highlighted the spirit of participation among young women. Sejal Kalangutkar, a 25-year-old lawyer and Congress candidate from Chimbel, lost her seat. However, her experience underscores the changing dynamics within political parties.
Kalangutkar revealed that the opportunity to contest came to her easily as the party was actively seeking a young, educated professional. While the gruelling campaign schedule, often stretching late into the night, was a challenge for this first-time contestant, she credited the party's dedicated supporters for making the process smoother.
The collective performance of these women candidates in the Goa Zilla Panchayat polls signals a potential shift in the political landscape. Winning from unreserved seats demonstrates their acceptance and popularity among the electorate, setting the stage for a more competitive and inclusive political environment in the run-up to the state's next major electoral battle.
