CANACONA
Warning that attempts by individuals will only expose dissent and do no good to the newly elected Canacona Municipal Council (CMC), Dy Speaker and Canacona MLA Isidore Fernandes said a leader from among all 12 councillors would soon be elected as chairperson.
Fernandes sent out the caution as hectic discussions were underway on Tuesday in efforts to finalise one councillor to lead the CMC, with a rival group also making moves to build up support for its candidate to the top post.
All 12 newly elected CMC councillors led by Fernandes called on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in the presence of BJP State President Sadanand Tanaavade and General Secretary Narendra Savoikar in Panaji on Monday night.
According to sources, Sawant is reported to have congratulated the newly elected councillors and complimented Fernandes for the clean sweep by the BJP in the CMC.
The chief minister is also learnt to have asked the new councillors to work for their people in cooperation with Fernandes.
Sawant also asked the 12 councillors to choose a leader from among themselves to lead the council and reportedly given a free hand to Fernandes to decide the leader in consultation with the councillors.
Meanwhile, hectic discussions were underway on Tuesday in efforts to build up consensus for one councillor to lead the CMC.
When contacted, Canacona MLA Isidore Fernandes said two councillors have been shortlisted to lead the CMC.
“Though I had been given a free hand to choose a leader to head the CMC, I will be taking approval of the high command and the chief minister before deciding on the choice of all councillors,” said Fernandes.
Sources said though all elected councillors were seen meeting the chief minister, at least three councillors are reportedly unhappy with the Canacona MLA for not favouring one of them for the chairperson's post.
Sources said while Fernandes is in the process of finalising the name of one councillor to be sent to the high command for final approval, the splinter group has been attempting to divide the nine members loyal to the BJP on the basis of caste and community.
Sources added that there are three main aspirants to the coveted chairperson's post at CMC and they are former chairpersons Ramakant Naikgaunkar and Simon Rebello as well as a new entrant to CMC, Pandurang (Dhiraj) Naikgaunkar.
Sources said the Simon and Pandurang are reportedly shortlisted and there is indication that one name is being finalised within a day or two, in consultation with the party high command and chief minister.
