Goa Zilla Panchayat Polls: BJP-Led Alliance Sweeps Rural Vote, Congress Trails Behind

New Delhi: The ruling BJP-MGP alliance has won a clear majority in the Goa Zilla Panchayat elections, capturing over 30 of the 50 seats contested across the state. The Indian National Congress lagged with around 10 seats, according to official counting and party announcements. 

Voting was held on December 20 in rural areas outside municipal limits and counting wrapped up on Monday. 

Goa has two district panchayats, North Goa and South Goa, with 25 members each.

Who won the key seats?

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the dominant force in both North and South Goa's zilla panchayats. Its alliance partner, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) won 3 seats. Together, they comfortably crossed the majority mark, ensuring control of rural governance. 

The Congress won 10 seats while its alliance partner, the Goa Forward Party, won one seat. Other parties like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) managed a seat each, and a few independent candidates also tasted victory. 

Why does this matter?

Zilla panchayats are key to grassroots development in rural Goa. This election is seen as a test of party strength ahead of the 2027 Goa Assembly polls. A strong showing in these local bodies can boost morale and influence strategy for bigger fights ahead. 

What are leaders saying?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked voters and party workers, saying the results show faith in "good governance" and "progressive politics". 

"Goa stands with good governance. Goa stands with progressive politics.  I thank my sisters and brothers of Goa for blessing the BJP-MGP (NDA) family with strong support in the Zilla Panchayat elections. This will add more vigour to our efforts for Goa’s growth. We are committed to boosting the dreams and aspirations of the people of this wonderful state. Our hardworking NDA Karyakartas have done commendable work on the ground, which has led to this result," he said.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called it a decisive mandate for the BJP-led alliance, promising continued focus on development.

"BJP No. 1 in Goa! Thank you, Goa, for placing your trust in the BJP and blessing us with a thumping victory! Heartiest congratulations to all the newly elected Zilla Panchayat members of the BJP–MGP (NDA) Alliance," he wrote in an X post.

Congress leaders acknowledged their smaller tally but pointed to splits in the opposition vote in some seats. They said the party will regroup ahead of future contests.

How was voter turnout and conduct?

According to officials, turnout was robust, continuing the trend of strong rural participation. Counting took place at 14 centres across Goa, with tight security and the State Election Commission overseeing the process. 

The result underlines the BJP’s continued strength in Goa’s hinterland and sets the stage for a competitive political landscape in the next major elections.