Assembly Election 2012: Congress hopes to retain power in Goa despite high turn-out

PANAJI: Congress today said that the record turn-out in the assembly election in Goa may not augur well for the party, but still it would be able to retain power in the coastal state.

"The high turn-out is a strong statement made by the public. It may not be ideal for the Congress party, but we are forming the government with the help of allies," said Mauvin Godinho, a senior Congress leader from the state.

Counting will be held on March 6. "We may not be able to get a clear mandate, but we will be forming the government with the help of allies," Godinho said.

A record 81 per cent voters cast votes yesterday, surpassing the 2007 record of 71 per cent. Of the total electorate of 10.25 lakh, 8.3 lakh voted yesterday.

The ruling Congress has a pre-poll alliance with NCP in the state.