MARGAO
After returning back to the hot seat after a gap of around 12 years by defeating the BJP-backed candidate in style, Margao Municipal Chairperson Ganashyam Shirodkar has promised to accord topmost priority to resolve the Sonsodo imbroglio and the parking mess and streamline the Municipal administration.
“Today is a historic day. Today, I received the Prasad from Mahalaxmi. My election has shown that the real Prasad has come in my favour,” Ganashyam said, after assuming office after he was declared elected by Presiding Officer Srinet Kothawale.
While thanking Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai and the councillors who stood by him in the battle for the chairperson’s post, Ganashyam immediately got down to business, promising to resolve Sonsodo head on. “We have to bring the administration back on track. The Chief Officer Rohit Kadam has initiated some steps. We will prioritise Sonsodo,” he said.
Apparently taking a dig at the Margao MLA, the chairperson added: “We have seen that most of the works have been completed in Fatorda, barring Sonsodo. We will resolve the issue on priority. Comparatively, we have found Margao moving backward. We have to take steps to bring about a change in Margao.”
He offered an olive branch to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, saying he is ready to work with the government in the interest of the city. “The CM has worked against me, but we have to leave aside our political differences. I hope the government will help me and the civic body to take the city forward,” he added.
Ganashyam, however, reminded that Margao is a city having a history of initiating revolutions, predicting that something will take place to remove the rot from the city.
To a question, he said the Goa Forward has extended its support to him only after Kamat joined the BJP. “When I had called on Sardesai for support, he had point blank reminded me that the Goa Forward has an alliance with Kamat’s Model Margao. But, he extended his support to me after Kamat quit the Congress to join the BJP,” he said.
Saying he is not surprised that he has received 15 votes as against 10 polled by the BJP candidate, Ganashyam said, “I was expecting 20 votes, but it came down to 15 after yesterday’s confusion. With the election over, we will all work together in the interest of the city.”
