the goan I network
VASCO
Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Councillor Nandadeep Raut, who along with 12 councillors had filed a no-confidence motion against MMC Chairperson Kritesh Gaonkar and Vice Chairperson Shashikant Parab, said the decision by Urban Development Minister Milind Naik to set aside the presiding officer’s order was under pressure.
Claiming that the decision was a murder against democracy, Raut vowed to file a fresh no-confidence motion against Gaonkar and also questioned Gaonkar’s right to occupy the chairperson cabin while the urban development department was yet to pass an official order in the matter.
“Urban Development Minister Milind Naik has taken a decision on the revision petition filed by MMC Chairperson Kritesh Gaonkar challenging his ouster at a special meeting to decide the no-confidence motion moved against him.”
“Naik has set aside the order of presiding officer of the special meeting and I feel Naik has taken this decision under pressure. He must have been facing immense pressure from his councillors.”
“There is no problem with the decision but they have tried to murder democracy. Our panel has the support of 15 of the 25 councillors at the MMC. The ruling panel has only 10 councillors with them,” said Raut.
“The DMA has not passed the restoration order as yet, but Gaonkar has come and has begun using the chairperson’s cabin and occupying the chair without any authority,” said Raut.
Stating that he would file a fresh no-confidence motion against Gaonkar, Raut said: “I will file a fresh no-confidence motion against him the day DMA issues Gaonkar’s restoration order so that he is removed from the chair as early as possible and we already have 15 MMC councillors who are with us,” added Raut.
Meanwhile, MMC Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes confirmed that Gaonkar had not begun signing any documents in the capacity of MMC chairperson.
“I have informed Gaonkar not to sign any document as chairperson and he has agreed. As far as some councillors getting upset with him occupying the cabin, I cannot comment as it is not
in my hands.”
