MARGAO, Feb. 5 -- Team Herald

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has further strengthened its position in the Ambelim Village Panchayat, with another panch member switching allegiance to the saffron party.

Cruz Fernandes, a panch member, was formally inducted into the BJP by Velim BJP General Secretary Shirish Kamat.

Sarpanch Alexandra Silva, Dy Sarpanch Josefina Gomes, BJP Velim general secretary Sanjay Naik, Mahila Morcha president Sunaina Naik and Minority Morcha president Franky Fernandes were also present.

According to Kamat, with Fernandes' move, the BJP now commands a majority in the seven-member Ambelim panchayat, securing the support of five panchas.

It is to be noted that Ambelim panchayat falls under the Velim Assembly const...