Presidential polling begins on a dull note in Goa

Panaji, July 19 (UNI) Polling for the Presidential elections began on a dull note at 1000 hrs today at the Goa Legislative Assembly complex at Porvorim.

Elaborate arrangements amid tight security were put in place for the polling.

A majority of the legislators are expected to vote this afternoon when the Assembly meets for its budget session on the fourth day today.

The value of the total votes for 40 MLAs and two MPs will be 2,216 with each legislator having a vote strength of 20 and the MP 708.

Meanwhile, the opposition BJP has a strength of 14 in the House.

All others, including the SGF and the UGDP besides coalition members of NCP, MGP and two independents pledged support to Mrs Pratibha Patil.

Goa has two MPs, one representing the North Goa constituency and the other in the Rajya Sabha. The South Goa seat fell vacant with the resignation of the rebel Congress member Churchil Alemao before the June 2 elections to the state legislative assembly.

It is not known whether the two MPs will vote here or in Delhi, but all arrangements were made for facilitating their voting, authorities said.

UNI