‘Together for Mapusa’ to back credible candidates, audit ward-level issues
CIVIC PUSH IN MAPUSA: Members of the newly formed civil society group ‘Together for Mapusa’ address the media on Thursday. Photo by Agnelo Pereira
Disturbed by the rapid deterioration of Mapusa, a coalition of doctors, lawyers, professionals and activists cutting across political ideologies has formed a civil society platform titled Together for Mapusa (TFM), with a stated aim to reclaim the town’s future and restore civic governance.
The group announced that it will back “the right group of persons” in the forthcoming Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) elections, signalling its intent to play a direct role in the electoral process.
Positioning itself as a “parallel opposition,” TFM said it will hold the current system accountable for years of neglect.
Highlighting Mapusa’s legacy as a historic commercial hub, members described the present condition as a “city in a mess,” pointing to issues such as garbage mismanagement, crumbling infrastructure, rising crime and delays in key public projects including the Sewage Treatment Plant and Ravindra Bhavan.
“Participating in democracy isn’t just a one-day affair of casting a vote; it is a daily duty to keep a check on governance,” said TFM president Mahesh Rane.
“We will go to the masses to map problems in every ward. Enough is enough. TFM will act as a pioneer for civic activism in the State,” he added.
General Secretary Jitesh Kamat said the organisation aims to “liberate” the municipal council from political interference, alleging that for nearly three decades the council has functioned as an extension of party leadership, with councillors acting as “puppets.”
TFM plans to field or support a panel of “clean and capable” candidates across all 20 wards to ensure political independence and transparency in local governance.
The group said its vision is inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s concept of Swaraj, advocating a system that is truly people-centric.
The newly announced committee includes Mahesh Rane as president, Armindo Braganza, Vijay Bhike and Dr Prithvi Amonkar as vice presidents, Jitesh Kamat as general secretary, Rajesh Marathe as treasurer and a team of executive members.
Addressing the media, vice president Vijay Bhike stressed that the initiative goes beyond elections. “From waste management and parking chaos to hospital mismanagement and river pollution during Ganesh Visarjan, every issue will be addressed with a solution-oriented approach. Where authorities fail, we will resort to peaceful agitation and legal remedies,” he said.
TFM plans to conduct a city-wide survey and organise public outreach programmes to involve residents in shaping Mapusa’s revival.
