In a dramatic political turn ahead of a crucial no-confidence motion, Sarpanch Anusha Lamani on Friday stepped down from her post, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle in the Sancoale Panchayat.
The resignation came just days before a special meeting scheduled on Monday to decide the fate of both Lamani and Deputy Sarpanch Derrick Vales.
In a swift and equally significant development within hours, Derrick Vales also tendered his resignation as deputy sarpanch, deepening the political churn within the panchayat and turning the upcoming meeting into a potential clash of the titans.
The twin resignations have intensified the already volatile political atmosphere in Sancoale, where divisions within the 11-member body had come to the fore earlier this week.
Despite stepping down from their respective posts, both leaders continue to remain panch members, keeping the focus firmly on Monday’s special meeting, which is expected to redraw the power dynamics within the panchayat.
The political storm stems from a no-confidence motion moved by six panch members—Tulsidas Naik, Maria Azevedo, Nidhi Naik, Rohini Toraskar, Valento Rodrigues and Jasiya Kadar—who cited dissatisfaction over the functioning of the panchayat and decision-making processes. The group alleged that key decisions were being taken without adequate discussion, with limited involvement of other elected members.
Concerns were also raised over irregular meetings, delays in major development works, and lack of transparency in administrative functioning. Members pointed to long-pending civic issues, including the delayed construction of a new Panchayat Ghar despite availability of land and funds, and unresolved garbage management concerns.
Secretary transferred, full-timeappointment finally in place
Secretary transferred, full-time
appointment finally in place
In a parallel development, Sancoale Panchayat Gram Sevak Amol Tilve was transferred with immediate effect on Friday. Yogesh Faterpekar has been appointed as the new full-time secretary of the panchayat.
The move comes after prolonged public demand and repeated concerns raised by residents over the absence of a full-time secretary, which was seen as a major administrative gap in one of the state’s largest panchayats. The appointment is expected to streamline functioning and address long-pending civic and administrative issues.
