the goan I network
VASCO
After over two months of an intense political struggle between two BJP-backed panels in the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC), Nandadeep Raut and Reema Sonurlekar from the panel backed by Vasco BJP MLA Carlos Almeida were elected as chairperson and vice-chairperson respectively by 14-11 votes on Thursday.
In yet another twist to the vexed political tale, MMC Councillor Pascoal D’Souza, the brother of NCP State president Jose Philip D’Souza, took everyone by surprise by voting in favour of Raut and Sonurlekar. Though there were many nominations filed by both panels, most candidates withdrew at the last moment to ensure a straight fight between Nandadeep Raut and Saifullah Khan for the post of chairperson and Reema Sonurlekar and Murari Bandekar for the post of vice-chairperson.
Director of Municipal Administration (DMA) Dr Tariq Thomas was the presiding officer while MMC Chief Officer Gaurish Shankhwalkar was present for the council elections.
Though a large police force was present to maintain law and order, the elections were peaceful without any untoward incident or rounds of allegations and counter allegations, as had been the case on previous occasions.
Though the predicted margin was 13-12 votes in favour of Raut and Sonurlekar after councillor Sandesh Mesta had switched sides, Raut and Sonurlekar won by 14-11 votes, defeating the panel backed by Urban Development Minister Milind Naik.
Sources said senior MMC Councillor Pascoal D’Souza had cast his vote in favour of the Almeida panel, to the surprise of those present at the meeting. Supporters of Raut, who were present below the MMC building, burst crackers on the news of his election and several supporters and close family members walked into the MMC building to garland Raut and Sonurlekar on their victory.
While the victorious panel posed for photographs along with newly-elected MMC chairperson and vice-chairperson and the ruling panel at a restaurant, Pascoal D’Souza walked out immediately even before results were declared and was not available for comments.
Dr Thomas thanked all the councillors for their cooperation and appealed to them to move forward in a cooperative manner. He requested the council to immediately meet and submit development proposals to the DMA to be taken under the 14th finance funds.
Pending works on top of my priority list: Raut
VASCO: Newly elected Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Nandadeep Raut assured that works left pending on account of the lengthy delay to elect a chairperson and deputy chairperson, would be taken on top priority. Speaking to reporters, Raut said his panel had to struggle for two months for this day. While expressing his gratitude to voters and supporters, Raut specially thanked NCP State President Jose Philip Dsouza and the NCP party for extending support to the Almeida panel. “This may be a great moment for me, but I feel sorry for the people who faced hardships and experienced flooding in various parts of Vasco city because the previous council had not undertaken the work properly. I will take up cleaning of drains and nullahs on top priority,” assured Raut.
Raut also announced plans to probe corruption cases by the previous council, after claiming to have received oral complains.
APRIL 25: No-confidence motion moved against MMC Chairperson Kritesh Gaonkar, Vice-Chairperson Shashikant Parab.
MAY 3: Special meet to decide on no-confidence motion witnesses chaos and confusion over a vote cast by using pen. Presiding officer Shashank Tripathi declares Gaonkar, Parab ousted. Gaonkar says opposition secured only 12 votes of 25 votes in council and decides to appeal before Urban Development Minister Milind Naik.
MAY 6: Gaonkar, Parab file revision petition before Urban Development Minister.
MAY 10: DMA decides no fresh elections till revision petition is fully disposed.
MAY 14: Opposition panel approach high court, challenging revision petition filed by Gaonkar and Parab before urban development minister.
MAY 17: High court disposes off petition of opposition councillors. Directs urban development minster to dispose off revision petition by May 27.
MAY 27: Urban Development Minister Milind Naik sets aside ouster of Gaonkar and Parab and both re-instated as MMC chairperson, vice-chairperson respectively.
MAY 29: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant convenes special meet with Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida, Urban Development Minister Milind Naik and all councilllors in attempt to bring about truce. Meeting inconclusive as both panels don’t agree to suggestions.
JUN 3: Fresh no-confidence motion moved against Gaonkar and Parab by opposition councillors.
JUN 13: Gaonkar and Parab ousted by 13 to 12 votes in special meeting to decide no-confidence motion.
JUN 26: Special meet convened to elect new chairperson, vice-chairperson called off, after presiding officer Siddhivinayak Naik fails to arrive citing ill-health.
JUL 4: DMA presides over elections. Raut and Sonurlekar elected as chairperson and vice chairperson respectively.
