The BJP-backed panel led by Panaji MLA Atanasio alias Babush Monserrate romped home with a thumping victory at the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) elections, winning 27 of the 30 wards. The Ami Panjekar panel, supported by Utpal Parrikar, despite the hype created through his alliance with the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, and Independents, was decimated. While Utpal and his team were yet to reconcile to this humiliating defeat, Monserrate appeared elated and attributed it to the support of the people. “We are at the mercy of the people; it is they who elect us. If we try to act too smart, people show how smart they are,” he said.
This CCP election had all the makings of a tight contest. It had the legacy of Manohar Parrikar in full flow, with Utpal spearheading the Opposition space. There were issues galore ” from pay parking, spas, drainage, roads, markets, and casinos ” and there was an expectation of a division within the BJP that could swing in the Opposition’s favour. Ironically, none of these worked. The Manohar Parrikar legacy factor didn’t work, nor did Utpal’s presence. The issues appeared to have fallen on deaf ears, and the BJP bandwagon rallied around Monserrate, abandoning Utpal.
While local body elections may not reflect the mood of the State, there are certainly takeaways from the CCP elections. Firstly, legacy policy does not always work. The key factor for success is a leader’s connection to the people. Utpal failed miserably, despite tall assurances, because there was a disconnect on the ground. Monserrate, on the other hand, managed to script a fifth successive win in the CCP elections purely because of his personal equation with constituents and accessibility, two crucial factors that usually give politicos a leverage against any shortcomings.
This election was also an acid test for both Monserrate and Utpal, with the 2027 Assembly elections well in sight. A sweeping victory has not only reaffirmed Monserrate’s stranglehold over the capital city, but also given him new confidence at a time when he may be contemplating exiting the Panaji canvas. His post-victory comments thanking the BJP and placing the party above himself, the leader, is testimony of the fact that he has cushioned himself well in the saffron ecosystem.
The Monserrates cannot be complacent over this win. While Rohit promptly regretted his personal comments against Utpal in the run-up to the elections, he has to learn from his shortcomings. The issues raised by the Opposition are genuine, and a win, no matter how convincing it is, does not mean shortcomings have been accepted. Panaji may be declared as a smart city, but it has miles to go to live up to that reputation. From markets to sewerage and even the CCP building, the new mayor will have to ensure that the city undergoes a change for the better.
For the senior Monserrate, it is to be seen whether this big CCP win can bolster his position at the 2027 polls. If we recall, his previous CCP win was comfortable too at 25-5, yet he struggled to win the Panaji constituency seat at the 2022 Assembly elections with a slender margin of 716 votes over Utpal, who contested as an Independent. It is to be seen whether Monserrate can consolidate from here and bank on this landslide CCP win.
