MAPUSA
Four former councillors and prominent candidates of the BJP panel from Mapusa, who benefited from the February 4 reservation notification, on Friday, opined that just one extra ward will have to be reserved for women as per the court order but volunteered to abide with any government decision in the reservation process.
Ex-chairperson Sandeep Falari admitted that the reservation pattern will undergo some changes after the Supreme Court judgement.
He said the operative order of the High Court had focused on providing 33 percent of reservation for women and accordingly, one more ward will have to be reserved for women in Mapusa, increasing the wards for women from present six to seven.
He said he wasn’t aware if any explicit directions were given on following the rotation policy on reservation of wards.
“Whatever happens, we will have to take it in our stride. In 2005, my ward was reserved for women and I did not contest. In politics, we have to be ready for any eventuality,” said Falari, who is the candidate in Ward 12.
Seconding him was ex-chairperson Ryan Braganza, who said the highlight of the court order was on maintaining one-third reservation for women relegating the rotation policy for ward reservation to the background.
“We are ready for the election even if my ward has to be reserved. In fact, I have candidates ready in different categories and we will ensure that our candidates triumph,” said Braganza, who is the candidate in Ward 9.
According to ex-councillor Franky Carvalho, none of the wards in Mapusa will undergo reservation change except for allotting one extra ward for women.
“A ward cannot be reserved in the same category for the second time but reservation in a different category is allowed. A ward reserved for General OBC in the last term cannot be reserved as General OBC again but it can be reserved for women or SC or ST,” said Carvalho, who is the Vice President of the North Goa District BJP Committee and candidate in Ward 7.
However, he said he was ready to accept any decision taken by the government vis-Ã -vis the reservation policy.
“Even if I cannot contest, my social work for the people will continue,” Carvalho opined.
Former councillor Rajsingh Rane was of the same opinion as his other colleagues that one extra ward will have to be reserved for women.
“We will have to wait and watch what decision comes. Finally, we will have to face the reality,” said Rane, who is General Secretary of the North Goa District BJP Committee and candidate in Ward 17.
Mapusa petitioner sees a
big change in ward quota
MAPUSA: Former Mapusa Muniicipal Council chairperson Michael Carrasco on Friday said there would be a big change in the reservation of wards for the Mapusa civic elections.
“Injustice done to me and others will have to be undone. If the government tries to play tricks, there are chances that others may approach the high court,” Carrasco said.
The former chairperson was one of the petitioners against the government’s reservation policy in Mapusa.
He said the government should follow a thumb rule while carrying out reservation of wards in the civic elections.
“The MMC consists of 20 wards. If 10 wards were reserved the last time, then those 10 wards should be kept open this time around,” he said.
