Polling over, Mandrem candidates take much needed break

Free from the heat and dust of the poll arena, Mandrem candidates preferred to relax and spend some quality time with their family a day after the poll battle drew to an end.

Maharashwadi Gomantak Party (MGP) leader Jit Arolkar, who contested from the Mandrem constituency, began his day at his residence and stayed here after exercising his ballot on polling day. He said that he had had a long and sound sleep before stepping out to meet supporters and residents who had arrived at his residence.

"I got up in the morning and met supporters who came to congratulate me," Arolkar said, adding that he will give more time to his family now.

For Dayanand Sopte, it was a relaxed day for the BJP leader after so many days. "I got up on time in the morning, took a bath, worshipped God and answered some messages and phone calls," Sopte said a day after polling drew to an end.

Sopte is confident he will be declared the winner on March 10. "I am 100 per cent sure of my victory. Due to more women voters coming to vote this time, I am sure I would win by a margin of 8,000 votes," he said.

Meanwhile, Independent candidate and Morji Zilla Panchayat member Satish Shetgaonkar was in no mood to rest till the battle is over on March 10. He had a steady stream of visitors and he patiently interacted with supporters. He claimed more than 80 per cent of residents in Morjim have voted in his favour.