MAPUSA
The election for the managing committee of Cunchelim Comunidade, scheduled for February 9, has sparked a flurry of requests for rescheduling as it coincides with the elections for temple devasthan committees across Goa.
This overlap has raised concerns among shareholders who fear they may not be able to participate in both electoral processes.
The Cunchelim Comunidade elections are slated alongside elections for the managing committees of several other comunidades, including Anjuna, Nadora, and Bordem. However, the clash with temple committee elections has become a contentious issue, particularly for Cunchelim, where a significant number of shareholders are also involved in the administration of local temples.
Shareholders of Cunchelim Comunidade have formally petitioned Pandurang Gad, Administrator of Comunidades for North Goa, seeking a change in the election date.
“February 9 is an important day for our community, as it coincides with the elections of various temple devasthan committees. Many of us are deeply involved in both institutions, and this overlap makes it impossible to give our full participation,” a shareholder said.
Anand Bhaidkar, President of Shree Dev Bodgeshwar Sausthan in Mapusa and a shareholder of Cunchelim comunidade, also submitted a written request for rescheduling.
“The elections of temple committees are of great significance to the community, and many shareholders will be preoccupied with their responsibilities. The overlap will deprive a majority of shareholders of their right to vote in the comunidade elections,” Bhaidkar explained.
The issue is not isolated to Cunchelim.
Similar concerns have been raised about the elections in Anjuna, Nadora and Bordem, all of which are scheduled for February 9.
Shareholders argue that the Administrator should have considered the cultural and religious significance of the devasthan elections before finalizing the schedule.
Shareholders have emphasised the importance of finding an amicable solution to the issue.
Efforts to contact the Administrator of Comunidades, North, for comments on the issue were unsuccessful. However, sources close to the Administrator’s office indicated that the requests for rescheduling are being reviewed.
