The two constituencies in Goa went to the polls during the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections, held on 7th May. The BJP and the Congress are facing off directly against each other. In North Goa, the sitting BJP MP and Union Minister Shripad Yesso Naik is contesting against Ramakant Khalap of the Congress. In South Goa, the BJP has fielded Pallavi Shrinivas Dempo to compete against the Congress’s Viriato Fernandes.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secured a win in the North Goa constituency, while the Congress claimed victory in South Goa. This time, exit polls are predicting a similar result.
| Party Wise Results | |||
| Party | Won | Leading | Total |
| Bharatiya Janata Party – BJP | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Indian National Congress – INC | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Winning Candidate – Bharatiya Janata Party (Goa)
| S.No | Parliament Constituency | Winning Candidate | Votes Margin |
| North Goa(1) | Shripad Yesso Naik | 257326 | 116015 |
Winning Candidate – Indian National Congress (Goa)
| S.No | Parliament Constituency | Winning Candidate | Votes Margin |
| South Goa(2) | Captain Viriato Fernandes | 217836 | 13535 |
विजयी अभ्यर्थी – भारतीय जनता पार्टी (गोवा)
| क्रम संख्या | संसद निर्वाचन क्षेत्र | विजयी अभ्यर्थी | कुल मत | अंतर(मार्जिन) |
| 1 | उत्तर गोवा(1) | श्रीपाद येसो नाईक | 257326 | 116015 |
विजयी अभ्यर्थी – इंडियन नेशनल काँग्रेस (गोवा)
| क्रम संख्या | संसद निर्वाचन क्षेत्र | विजयी अभ्यर्थी | कुल मत | अंतर(मार्जिन) |
| 1 | दक्षिण गोवा(2) | कप्तान विरियातो फॅर्नांडीस | 217836 | 13535 |
2024 Lok Sabha Polls: State-wise Voter Turnout
The third phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Goa witnessed an impressive voter turnout, with 31.56% and 30.31% turnout recorded in South and North Goa. on Tuesday. However, the early morning saw a relatively lower voter turnout, with 12.24% in South Goa and 13.61% in North Goa. The turnout picked up significantly as the day progressed.
The elections also saw significant participation through postal ballot voting. Senior citizens, disabled voters, police personnel on duty, and others turned out in large numbers, achieving a remarkable 94% turnout.
Goa boasts 117,900 voters distributed across 1,725 polling stations. Many youths, including many first-time voters, exercised their right to vote. The state experienced enthusiastic participation from the public, with voters expressing hope for a progressive future and youth empowerment.
All BJP MLAs were seen casting their votes in their respective constituencies, expressing confidence in their party’s chances of securing a substantial margin of votes.
Other MLAs also cast their votes and appealed to the citizens to come out in large numbers and exercise their democratic power to shape the future.
Polling booths were well-equipped with arrangements for refreshments, coolers, and shades to protect voters from the heat.
Challenges faced by the Indian National Congress in Goa
In 2024, the Indian National Congress (INC) in Goa may face several challenges, including:
Leadership Crisis
The party might face a leadership crisis, especially if it lacks charismatic leaders who can effectively rally support and unite party members.
Internal Factionalism
Internal factionalism and infighting could weaken the party’s cohesion and effectiveness, making it challenging to present a united front to voters.
Electoral Performance
If the INC has performed poorly in recent elections, it may need help regaining voter confidence and winning seats in the state legislature.
Competition from Rival Parties
Strong competition from rival parties, such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or regional parties, like the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), could significantly challenge the INC’s electoral prospects.
Issues of Governance
Past issues related to governance, corruption allegations, or failure to deliver promises could erode public trust in the party and make it difficult to convince voters to support them again.
Changing Demographics and Voter Preferences
Changing demographics and evolving voter preferences may require the INC to adapt its strategies and policies to remain relevant and appealing to the electorate.
Communication and Outreach
Ineffective communication and outreach efforts could result in the party failing to effectively convey its message and connect with voters, particularly in rural or marginalised communities.
Addressing these challenges would require the INC to undertake strategic reforms, foster internal unity, connect with voters on relevant issues, and present a compelling vision for Goa’s future.
In Final Thoughts
In the Goa Lok Sabha Election Results 2024, the BJP and Congress each secured a victory in one constituency. Shripad Yesso Naik of the BJP won in North Goa, while Captain Viriato Fernandes of the Congress emerged victorious in South Goa. The voter turnout was impressive, with significant participation from various demographics, indicating a vibrant democratic process. The Indian National Congress faces challenges such as leadership crisis, internal factionalism, and electoral performance, necessitating strategic reforms to regain voter confidence and competitiveness against rival parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party.
