Silent vote and sudden surge intrigue observers in Bardez

BJP candidate from North Goa, Shripad Naik, gestures after casting his vote on May 7.

Photo credits: Narayan Pissurlenkar

MAPUSA
In Bardez, the electoral landscape witnessed gripping voting day drama, characterized by intriguing shifts in turnout, unexpected surges and some technical glitches in the voting process.

From the early hours of Tuesday morning, a seesaw battle over the voting pattern unfolded, intriguing political observers and engaging BJP supporters.

The sudden rise in voting numbers after noon sparked excitement among BJP loyalists, especially in Bardez. However, beneath the surface, silent undercurrents hinted at a more complex narrative.

The aggressive and vigorous campaign led by the BJP seemed to bear fruit as voters defied extreme weather conditions to vote in large numbers. Initially, polling stations experienced a rush of voters in the morning, but as the day progressed, turnout decreased significantly. Around 1 p.m., several booths were almost deserted, with only a small number of voters.

This unexpected trend aroused surprise even within the BJP, causing rapid activation of party cadres to mobilize voters. After 2 p.m., a sudden increase in voter turnout was observed at all polling stations, continuing until the end of voting.

A reversal of the usual voting trend was noticeable in Mapusa, with longer queues dominated by men during the morning session. Conversely, rural villages saw high turnout among female voters, signaling a potential shift in voting patterns.

However, the first half of the day was marked by a lack of enthusiasm not only among voters but also among BJP cadres in Mapusa. The usual zeal displayed by party activists in previous elections was noticeably absent on the ground. Interestingly, voters remained tight-lipped about their preferences, adding to the intrigue surrounding the surge in voting.

Despite some technical glitches in the electronic voting machines (EVMs), the voting process was generally peaceful, although some polling stations experienced slow voting due to long queues.

Joint Opposition candidate for North Goa Ramakant Khalap showed confidence in his campaign, expressing optimism over his chances of victory. “People enthusiastically welcome the democracy festival. Despite the challenges, they showed their support for my candidacy, reaffirming their commitment before and after voting. I am confident of a resounding victory,” Khalap said after voting in Mapusa.