MARGAO: Political developments unfolding in the Carmona village panchayat have come as a setback to the Carmona Villagers Social Forum, but it has vowed to continue its struggle to protect the interest of the village notwithstanding the happenings.
A total of three panch members, including Sarpanch Savita Mascarenhas, Benicio Cardozo and Josinho Mendes were backed by the Carmona Villagers Social Forum. Besides, panch member Allwyn George was also backed by the forum.
As things stand today, the forum has only a lone representative left in the panchayat body, Savita Mascarenhas, who has also quit from the post. As far as the remaining two members are concerned, Josinho passed away a couple of months ago, while panch Benicio has quit from the membership of the body.
Forum President Soccoro Miranda told The Goan that the resignation of panch member Benicio followed by the resignation of Savita as sarpanch has come as surprise and setback to them. He, however, hastened to add that the forum will continue its struggle to protect the interest of the village, irrespective of the political developments in the panchayat. “People of Carmona had given the candidates backed by the forum the mandate to rule the village panchayat body. But, the unfolding developments have come as a shock. I understand that panch Benicio could not devote time to the panchayat, but resignation was not the solution,” Soccoro said.
It is still unclear whether the forum will play an active role in the by-poll for the two seats as and when elections are held. “I cannot say at this juncture about the future plans of the forum. We will meet and discuss the situation,” he said, but assured that the forum will continue its activities in the interest of the village.
