PANAJI: Rohit Monserrate and Vasant Agshikar filed their nominations for the posts of Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) today, with the election scheduled to be held on March 30.
Calling the outcome a near certainty, Monserrate said the vote would be “just a formality,” while expressing gratitude for the opportunity. “We are extremely grateful for the opportunity that they have given us to serve them once again,” he said.
He indicated that his tenure as Mayor would be brief, as he is likely to contest the upcoming Assembly elections. “I will be here only for a short amount of time. I will be standing for the Assembly elections, like the Minister said,” Monserrate stated, adding that the party would decide his constituency.
Even as he looks ahead politically, Monserrate said his immediate focus remains on Panaji. “Whatever we have promised during the campaign will be delivered. I have about 50 things that we need to deliver in the next six months,” he said.
On governance, he stressed that services would not be politically selective. “I have never asked people who they vote for when they come to us for help. It is our job to provide help to absolutely everybody,” he said.
Addressing civic concerns ahead of the monsoon, Monserrate said desilting work is already underway, and flooding has been reduced in vulnerable areas. “Our process is ongoing. Over the years, we have curtailed flooding in many areas. This year should be no different,” he said.
On infrastructure, he maintained that most Smart City works are complete, with remaining issues being rectified. “Wherever there have been issues, I have asked the contractors to come back and redo the work as per specifications,” he said, adding that pending commissioning work in Ribandar is being followed up.
He also opposed fresh road digging for utilities like gas pipelines. “We are absolutely not in favour of breaking up our newly laid roads. This planning should have been done earlier,” he said.
On traffic and parking, Monserrate said the focus would be on strengthening enforcement and filling manpower gaps. “We want to ensure there are no excuses. We are working towards a plan to streamline parking and reduce congestion,” he said.
Responding to concerns around casinos, he acknowledged their economic role but pointed to localised issues. “Casinos provide employment, but there are areas affected by traffic and behaviour. We will work to gradually reduce these issues,” he said, adding that improvements would be phased over time.
On the long-pending St Inez nullah issue, Monserrate admitted past measures had failed and called for a comprehensive, multi-department solution. “It didn’t work. I will be the first to admit that. What we want now is a proper, integrated plan for Panaji and Taleigao. In the next few months, we hope to present a clear roadmap,” he said.
Agshikar, meanwhile, thanked party leadership and councillors for the opportunity. “I would like to thank our MLA, the party, and all corporators for giving me a chance again. We will work as a team for Panaji,” he said.
