Congress establishes slight lead as counting progresses

Panaji, June 5 (UNI) The Congress retained the Velim and Margao assembly constituencies, while BJP retained Panaji and Mandrem in the 40-member Goa Legislative Assembly as counting of votes progressed.

BJP leader and former chief minister Manohar Parrikar retained his Panaji seat by 1,444 votes, while Alex Sequeira of Congress was re-elected from Loutlim.

Filip Neri Rodrigues of Congress retained his Velim seat by 2,754 votes, while Digambar Kamat (Congress) was re-elected in Margao.

BJP's Laxmikant Parsekar retained his Mandrem seat by defeating his nearest rival former Union minister Ramakant Khalap by 1,710 votes.

Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and United Goans Democratic Party (UGDP) were leading in Ponda and Calangute respectively. In Ponda, Goa Congress president Ravi Naik is seeking a re-election.

Congress has established a lead in Cancona, Curtorim and Savordem assembly segments, while BJP in Mormugao.

UNI