Cotombi, Dec. 20 -- Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday cast his vote for the Zilla Panchayat elections at Cotombi, Goa, as polling began across the state amid what he described as strong public enthusiasm.

Speaking to reporters after voting, Sawant said polling started at 8 am and was being held across 50 constituencies. He expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's prospects in the elections, noting that the BJP is directly contesting 40 of the 50 seats.

"Voting for the Zilla Panchayat elections began at 8 am today, and it is happening across 50 constituencies with intense enthusiasm. We are confident. Goa BJP candidates are directly contesting in 40 of the 50 seats. At some places, we also supported our alliance pa...