Daijiworld Media Network - Mapusa

Mapusa, Nov 25: The upcoming zilla panchayat elections are shaping into a decisive test for the BJP–MGP alliance in Pernem, where sitting MLAs from both parties are pushing hard to secure tickets for their loyalists. The overlapping political turf of first-time legislators — Pernem BJP MLA Pravin Arlekar and Mandrem MGP MLA Jit Arolkar — has sparked a fierce competition ahead of the December 20 polls.

In the current electoral layout, Mandrem MLA Arolkar’s Parcem and Tuem, both falling under the Dhargalim ZP constituency, are part of the Pernem assembly segment. At the same time, Pernem MLA Arlekar’s Korgao, coming under the Arambol ZP constituency, lies within the Mandrem assembly segment. Morjim and Torsem, both reserved, fall entirely under Mandrem and Pernem constituencies, respectively, adding another layer of complexity.

The situation has intensified with former MLAs and active BJP leaders Babu Ajgaonkar and Dayanand Sopte throwing their weight behind their own contenders, further heating up the fight for tickets.

Amid reservation pressures and internal lobbying, the BJP and MGP have held preliminary talks, with the MGP demanding four seats — one in Mandrem and three in Ponda. As the poll date nears, the Pernem-Mandrem belt has emerged as a crucial battleground that could determine the strength of the alliance moving forward.