Panaji: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) on Monday announced its first list of candidates for the upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections, finalising names for 11 constituencies across North and South Goa. The list was formally released by GPCC President Amit Patkar.
In North Goa, the Congress has named seven candidates. Smt. Carmelina Angela Fernandes will contest from Calangute, while Shri. Sahil Mandrekar has been selected for Socorro. Smt. Sonal Malvankar has been fielded from Reis Magos under the Women’s category, and Shri. Viju Diukar will contest from Taleigao (ST). Adv. Shejal Kalangutkar has been nominated from Chimbel, also under the Women’s category. Shri. Bhanudas Datta Sannaik will represent the party in Pale (OBC), and Shri. Ayush Sitaram Kerkar has been chosen for Querim (SC).
In South Goa, four candidates have been finalised. Smt. Manisa Usgaonkar will contest from Usgao–Ganje (Women), Shri. Julio Fernandes from Velim, Shri. Alexinho Da Silva from Curtorim (OBC), and Shri. Rajendra Shirodkar from Sanvordem (ST).
GPCC President Amit Patkar stated that the selection reflects the party’s commitment to ensuring balanced representation across communities and constituencies. He added that the list for the remaining constituencies will be announced soon as the Congress prepares for a strong electoral contest in the upcoming Zilla Panchayat polls.
