India, Sept. 25 -- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ganesh Gaonkar was elected Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

Gaonkar, who represents the rural Sanvordem constituency in the state, secured 32 votes, while the opposition candidate received 7 votes in the 40-member House.

The two-time member of the legislative assembly (MLA) succeeded Ramesh Tawadkar, who resigned last month ahead of his swearing-in as a minister.

Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant congratulated Gaonkar on his election and said, "I am confident that under your leadership, the proceedings of the House will be conducted with utmost dignity and efficiency. Wishing you great success in discharging this important constitutional responsibility."

The opposi...