Pernem is the only reserved constituency in Goa, set aside for Scheduled Caste candidates. Ever since Dhargalim was merged to create a single constituency of Pernem in 2012, the region has not seen a local serving as its MLA.
Manohar Ajgaonkar, who won the 2017 elections on MGP ticket, is a resident of Margao, while BJP’s Rajendra Arlekar (elected in 2012) – now governor of Himachal Pradesh – is a native of Vasco.
This time around, Pednekars will choose one of their own as all the candidates are natives of Pernem.
