Panaji/Margao: Zilla Panchayats might not have the powers to rule over the hearts of voters, but certainly the election for the grass-root level body is.
After it was confirmed that March 22 ZP election would be fought on party lines, BJP has left no stone unturned to prove its might in the state.
This is a crucial election for Sadanand Tanavade-led party, which has been in the news for inducting chunk of Congressmen into its fold.
Congress too is trying to manage its show with the help of Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and few other independents.
It is not an easy cake for BJP which has been facing rebel within the party in the constituencies like Rivona, Sanvordem and Latambarcem.
In Rivona, youth leader Bhavesh Jambaulikar has announced that he would be contesting as an independent. Similar is the case with Pradeep Desai at Sanvordem.
In Latambarcem constituency too, the party is facing rebellion.
But BJP is known to handle the rebels ahead of the elections. Tanavade-led party is hoping to touch 30-plus seat mark in both the constituencies establishing its rule in both Zilla Panchayat bodies.
The task is not tough for the party considering its acumen to contest elections.
Except in few assembly constituencies where Congress MLAs are present, at rest of the places, BJP will have an easy win, as per the initial estimates.
The party will not be able to make dent in some parts of Salcette.
AAP has also tried to revive its base through ZP poll but Kejriwal-led party is still lacking its organizational strength in the state. Even opening an account for this ZP is a big victory for the party.
If insiders are to be believed, MGP has been struggling to find right candidates to contest ZP polls.
Dhavalikar-centric party has no presence outside Ponda taluka which makes it difficult for it to contest the election.
The only relevance of MGP for ZP polls could be the fact that it will eat into the votes of BJP giving edge to Congress candidates.
