the goan I network
VASCO
Hitting back at opposition councillor Nandadeep Raut, Mormugao Municipal Council Chairperson Kritesh Gaonkar said Raut was not fit to serve as chairperson as he did not respect the decisions of the court and law.
Gaonkar was responding to statements by Raut, who had said the decision by Urban Development Minister Milind Naik to set aside the presiding officer’s order was due to pressure.
Claiming that the decision was a murder against democracy, Raut had vowed to file a fresh no-confidence motion against Gaonkar and also questioned his right to occupy the chairperson’s cabin while the urban development department was yet to pass an official order in the matter.
“At a special meeting on the no-confidence motion moved against me, the opposition panel managed only 12 valid votes and to remove me, a minimum of 13 votes are required in the 25-member council.”
“Despite this, the presiding officer issued order of my ouster and said that I was removed from the post. This order was wrong and this was a true murder of democracy and law as well. I filed a revision petition with the urban development minister only because I wanted justice.”
“The opposition even approached the high court stating that the urban development minister cannot decide the matter under Section 303, but the high court informed them the minister had the power and right to decide and revise the order of presiding officer.”
“I have been occupying the chair and cabin officially only after the minister set aside the order of the presiding officer,” said Gaonkar.
He said the opposition councillor’s statement that the decision was a murder of democracy amounts to contempt of court. “The person who cannot respect the court and law will never be fit to occupy the chairperson’s post.”
