MARGAO
All attention is focused on the panchayats of Raia, Sao Jose de Areal, Chinchinim, Navelim with just a day to go for the election of the panchayat bodies on Monday.
Hectic behind the scene activity is believed to be underway in these four panchayats, which coincidentally are all 11-member bodies. The reason being that no single group had garnered the majority of seats in these panchayats and efforts are on to get the individual elected member under one banner to form the panchayats.
Take the case of Chinchinim-Deussua panchayat. Barring two former sarpanchas, Valentino Barretto and Santos Rebello, the remaining nine panchayats are all new faces in the 11-member body. There were two shades of opinion, one favouring a new face to take over the reigns of office. However, another group is believed to have rallied behind sitting deputy Sarpanch Valentino Barretto for the top position. The situation is likely to become clear by Sunday, sources said.
The 11-member Sao Jose de Areal village panchayat has also faced a similar situation. After a host of heavyweights bit the dust in the hustings, almost all, barring one, are all new faces. Efforts are still underway to forge a consensus candidate for the top post reserved for women amongst the new members.
In the 11-member Navelim too, no group has claimed they have the majority members to form the panchayat. While initial reports had stated that former sarpanch Paulo Pereira is on the job to form a group of six members, sources said the Michael Cardozo group is also on a similar mission. The BJP has opened its account in Navelim by winning a lone seat.
