Commitment to city doesn’t end with poll: Utpal

Panaji: Even after winning just three seats in the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) election, former chief minister Manohar Parrikar’s son, Utpal, said on Friday that the results are not what they expected, but they will continue to engage with citizens and raise issues of concern to the city.

“I sincerely thank every voter who supported the Ami Panjekar panel and believed in our vision for a better Panaji. My heartfelt gratitude also goes to our candidates, volunteers and supporters who worked tirelessly over the past weeks with honesty, dedication, and deep love for our city,” Utpal said. Utpal fought the CCP election with the backing of Congress and AAP. “We will analyse the results. We were expected to win at least 10 wards, but we did not get success. Delimitation and last-minute reservation of wards could be some of the reasons for losing the election,” Utpal said.

Utpal said that while the results are not what they hoped for, this journey was never only about winning seats. “It was about bringing citizens together to talk about the future of Panaji—about better planning, transparency, and accountable govt that truly puts people first,” Utpal said.

Utpal congratulated the winning candidates and sincerely hoped they would work towards fulfilling promises made with commitment for the welfare and progress of the city.

“My commitment to Panaji does not end with this election. We will continue to engage with citizens, raise issues that matter, and work constructively to address the challenges our city faces,” Utpal said.

Utpal said that public life is a long journey. “There will be victories and setbacks, but what must remain constant is the intention to serve. Thank you, Panaji. Our work continues,” he said.