Pernem’s political landscape reshaped by ZP reservation

Mapusa: The political landscape of Pernem taluka has been significantly disrupted with the Election Commission announcing the list of reserved constituencies for the zilla panchayat elections on Dec 13.The reservation changes in the three key constituencies of Morjim, Torsem and Arambol have affected sitting members and aspiring candidates, paving the way for new faces.The Morjim constituency is now an OBC women (reserved) seat, while both Torsem and Arambol have been reserved for general women. This shift in reservation has altered the equations for several stalwarts in the taluka, rendering them unable to contest.In Morjim, the move eliminates sitting member Satish Shetgaonkar, former sarpanch Amit Shetgaonkar and businessman Umesh Lingutkar.In Arambol, ZP member Rangnath Kalshawkar had prepared for re-election by implementing development works but is out due to reservation. Former Mandrem deputy sarpanch Tara Hadfadkar is emerging as a potential new candidate.Similarly, the reservation of Torsem for general women has closed the political path for all male aspirants, including former BJP Pernem president and former Hasapur sarpanch Tulshidas Gawas, Mopa sarpanch Subodh Mahale, Warkhand deputy sarpanch Vasant Naik and Mandar Parab.The Arambol constituency’s reservation for women has also changed the political equations there. Overall, reservation changes have created opportunities for new entrants in Morjim, Torsem and Arambol.