ZP quotas redraw Salcete's political map

OBC, ST RESERVATIONS FORCE PARTIES TO HUNT FRESH CANDIDATES; CONG FEELS THE PINCH IN CURTORIM, NAVELIM, NUVEM & GUIRDOLIM; MIXED BAG FOR GOA FORWARD; BJP GAINING EDGE

- THE GOAN I NETWORK

Four seats have been reserved for Other Backward Communities (OBCs) — including one for a woman — two for the Scheduled Tribes (STs), and three for the general category. This sums up the status of the nine Zilla Panchayat (ZP) seats up for grabs in the upcoming election scheduled for next month.

More than the numbers themselves, what has generated considerable interest in political circles is how the new reservation pattern has reshaped the political landscape — determining which party stands to gain and who may lose out.

The notification on seat reservation issued by the State Election Commission has triggered hectic activity across political camps. Many potential candidates who had been shortlisted earlier by parties may now have to step aside, forcing parties to look for new, eligible contenders.