MAPUSA
The Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) finally convened a council meeting on Monday after three prior adjournments under controversial circumstances. However, the meeting has drawn criticism as only five councillors were present, while a majority of 14 councillors were absent.
Of the 14 absentees, 11 were ruling councillors, while three were from the opposition.
Among those in attendance were Chairperson Nutan Bicholkar, Vice-Chairperson Sushant Harmalkar, and ruling group councillors Ashirwad Khorjuvenkar and Chandrashekar Benkar. Opposition councillors Anand Bhaidkar and Kayle Braganza were also present.
The meeting’s legality was questioned by opposition councillors, who argued that the absence of the required one-third quorum rendered it invalid. Councillor Anand Bhaidkar strongly objected, calling the meeting “illegal” and demanding the resignation of the chairperson.
Despite the objections, Chief Officer Chandrakant Shetkar and Chairperson Bicholkar maintained that, as per the Municipal Act, a quorum was not required for an adjourned meeting.
The meeting proceeded and concluded within 30 minutes, with resolutions on developmental proposals being approved.
Notably, these resolutions were suggested by absent councillors and were supported by the three ruling group councillors present.
Opposition councillors have since announced plans to challenge the meeting before the Director of Municipal Administration, alleging procedural violations and questioning the conduct of the chairperson and ruling councillors.
Chairperson Nutan Bicholkar dismissed the criticism, asserting that the meeting was conducted in accordance with the Municipal Act.
She also addressed the controversy surrounding her leadership, saying, “My term as chairperson ends in February. I will step aside on my own and don’t need anyone’s advice.”
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions within the council and raises questions about governance and transparency in Mapusa’s municipal administration.
