Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Sep 25: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Ganesh Gaonkar has been elected as the new Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, securing a decisive victory over Congress nominee Altone D’Costa. The election, held on Thursday, saw Gaonkar receive 32 votes, while D’Costa managed only seven.

This leadership change comes in the wake of former Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar’s resignation. Gaonkar’s win was widely expected, given the BJP’s strong numerical advantage in the 40-member House.

The BJP holds 28 seats and enjoys the support of two Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) MLAs and three Independents, solidifying its control over the Assembly.

Following the vote, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant congratulated Gaonkar and expressed confidence in his ability to conduct proceedings with fairness and integrity. Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao also extended his congratulations, emphasizing the Speaker’s responsibility to uphold impartiality in the House.

Both leaders accompanied Gaonkar to the Speaker’s Chair in a symbolic gesture of unity and respect for the democratic process.

Gaonkar, who represents the Sanvordem constituency, is no stranger to legislative responsibilities. He previously served as Protem Speaker and has a long-standing presence in Goan politics. Born in December 1958 in Sanguem, he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mysore.

The BJP emerged as the largest party in the 2022 Goa Assembly elections with 20 seats—one short of a majority. However, the party quickly secured support from three Independent MLAs and two MGP members to form the government.

Congress, which initially won 11 seats, has since been weakened by internal defections. In a significant political shift in September 2022, eight Congress MLAs defected to the BJP, further consolidating the ruling party’s dominance.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, re-elected from the Sanquelim constituency, continues to lead the state in his third consecutive term.