Punjab and Goa — presently governed by the BJP alliance — is going to polling booths on Friday. The elections will be crucial not just for the ruling National Democratic Alliance, but also for the Congress, which is trying to make a comeback in both the States, and for the AAP, which is looking for avenues other than Delhi.

While the rift within the RSS and the BJP creates problems for the ruling BJP in Goa, anti-incumbency against the 10-year-old Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP government in Punjab is harming the chances of the alliance. In both States, the AAP is a strong factor that is consolidating anti-government votes, troubling both the NDA and the Congress.

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In Punjab, the NDA is still depending on the octogenarian leader Parkash Singh Badal. In Goa, the BJP is yet to project a leader. Senior leaders were tight-lipped on the continuation of Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, but had indicated that Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar may go back to the State if BJP comes back to power.

In Goa, the BJP is contesting 36 out of the 40 seats. The party is supporting four independents. The Congress has fielded its candidates in 38 seats and is supporting two other candidates. AAP is contesting in 39 seats. The newly formed grand alliance of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Goa Suraksha Manch, and Shiv Sena is contesting 28 seats, mainly aiming at defeating the BJP’s chances.

The Congress has been trying to use issues such as corruption and demonetisation in both the States. In a statement on the eve of elections, Congress’s CM face in Punjab Amarinder Singh said the State needs a positive change. “Punjab today stands at the crossroads of change, and is looking at its people to usher in a transformational agenda to revive the golden period which it has seen in the past,” said and asked the people to be careful about the vested interests out to exploit the rich heritage and resources of the State.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the star campaigner for the BJP in both the States. Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann led the AAP campaign in Punjab. Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi travelled in both the States, while his mother and party President Sonia Gandhi did not campaign due to ill health. The results of the polls will be announced on March 11.

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