Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Dec 3: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) on Monday announced its first list of candidates for the upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections, fielding a total of 11 nominees across North and South Goa districts.

In North Goa Zilla Panchayat, the Congress has named:

• Carmelina Angela Fernandes – Calangute (Women)

• Sahil Mandrekar – Socorro (General)

• Sonal Malvankar – Reis Magos (Women)

• Viju Diukar – Taleigao (ST)

• Adv. Shejal Kalangutkar – Chimbel (Women)

• Bhanudas Datta Somnaik – Pale (OBC)

• Ayush Sitaram Kerkar – Querim (SC)

For South Goa, the following candidates have been finalised:

• Manisha Usgaonkar – Usgao-Ganje (Women)

• Julio Fernandes – Velim (General)

• Alexinho Da Silva – Curtorim (OBC)

• Rajendra Shirodkar – Sanvordem (ST)

The Congress leadership said the selection reflects a balanced representation of women, youth, and various communities, and expressed confidence that the party is well-positioned to put up a strong fight in the crucial grassroots-level polls.