MAPUSA
Councillor Kamal D’Souza has alleged serious irregularities in the election process for the Standing and Subject Committees of Mapusa Municipal Council and has called for a probe.
In a complaint to the Director of Urban Development, D’Souza accused MMC Chairperson Priya Mishal and Chief Officer Chandrakant Shetkari of violating legal procedures and demanded strict action.
She stated that the election notice was issued on February 28, scheduling a special council meeting for March 6 at 3 pm. Councillors were given two hours to file nominations. However, D’Souza, along with Councillors Shashank Narvekar, Anand Bhaidkar, and Sudhir Kandolkar, arrived at the MMC office on time but were told that the meeting had been postponed without explanation.
The official notice of postponement was served only at 4.45 pm, nearly two hours later, violating the Goa Municipalities Act. She also claimed that Narvekar was not officially informed about the delay.
MMC Chairperson Priya Mishal attributed the issue to miscommunication, stating that nominations were initially to be submitted to the CO, who was absent. Instead, the process was handled by the Accounts and Taxation Officer. D’Souza has urged the Urban Development Department to take immediate action to ensure the integrity of the council’s functioning.
