Lok Sabha elections 2014: Goa —State Profile

Tarun Khanna

Goa, which became the 25th state of India in 1987, represents two constituencies in Lok Sabha, North Goa and South Goa. Both the constituencies belong to General category.

In 2009 Lok Sabha elections, both the BJP and the Congress won 1 seat each from the state. While BJP’s Shripad Yesso Naik won from North Goa, Congress’ Cosme Francisco Caitano Sardinha won from South Goa.

The important parties in the state are BJP, NCP, Congress, Maharashtrawadi Gamonatak Party, United Goans Democratic Party and Goa Vikas Party. Being a small Assembly, even a swing of a few seats changes the equation in the state quite drastically.

After the Assembly elections in Goa in 2012, the Bharatiya Janata Party along with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party came together to form the government. They had a clear majority and BJP leader Manohar Parrikar was nominated as the Chief Minister.

Out of 40 Assembly seats, BJP won 21 seats, INC won 9 seats, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak won 3 seats, Goa Vikas Party won 2 seats and 5 seats went to independent candidates.

BJP’s Manohar Parrikar is the Chief Minister of the State.

2014 General Elections in the state are scheduled to be held on April 17.