MAPUSA
Despite widespread dissatisfaction with Mapusa Municipal Council Chairperson Nutan Bicholkar’s leadership, councillors remain divided on whether to move a no-confidence motion against her.
While councillors across party lines criticised Bicholkar for alleged illegalities in recruitment and questioned her suitability for the role, there was no consensus among them to initiate a formal no-confidence motion.
Councillor Prakash Bhivshet, one of the most vocal critics of the chairperson, described her actions as inappropriate and deemed her “unfit” for the position.
However, he clarified that there was no immediate decision to move a no-confidence motion.
“There is no decision on moving a no-confidence motion. We opposed her actions because they were inappropriate, but that’s all for now,” Bhivshet said.
Councillor Tarak Arolkar, also part of the ruling group, echoed similar sentiments.
“We walked out of the meeting to protest the illegality committed by the municipality. But we don’t intend to move a no-trust motion against her,” Arolkar said.
Opposition councillor and Congress-backed leader, Shashank Narvekar, indicated that discussions were ongoing within the group about the next course of action.
He stated that any decision would consider the broader interests of Mapusa’s residents and involve consultation with local MLA Joshua D’Souza.
“In the interest of Mapusa, we cannot rush into moving a no-confidence motion. We will sit together and decide by the end of the week. Even though I am not with the BJP, I still need to consult the MLA to ensure the people’s best interests are prioritized,” Narvekar said.
He added that while it was widely agreed the chairperson’s leadership was inappropriate, any drastic steps needed careful deliberation.
“We all agree that the chairperson occupying that chair is not appropriate, but we must approach this responsibly,” Narvekar concluded.
The councillors’ reluctance to escalate their dissatisfaction into a no-confidence motion highlights the complexities of Mapusa’s municipal politics, with both ruling and opposition members weighing their actions carefully amidst growing tensions.
