canacona
Will it be smooth transfer of power or there could be trouble in the Canacona Municipal Council to elect the next chairperson?Samita Dhuri resigned from the post on May 16 as per the terms agreed during her unopposed election for three months, paving the way for next councilor in waiting, Bharati Chaya Komarpant, to take over the reigns of the council.
The DMA after accepting the resignation of Dhuri has given directions for election of new chairperson on May 30 allowing two days (May 28 and 29) for filing of nominations by interested candidates.On the first day (Monday), Bharati Chaya Komarpant (Chaudi councilor) was the only one to file her nomination. However, with another day to go, speculations are rife another nomination could be filed before the time ends at 12 noon on Tuesday.
Three months ago, Prathana Naik Gaunkar vacated the chairperson’s chair on suggestion of CM Manohar Parrikar to make way for the other three women councilors to take take turns and occupy the post.
Interestingly, though all the ten councilors owe allegiance to BJP party-led government, a rift within the group came to light after Prathana Naik Gaunkar stayed away during Dhuri’s unanimous election.
Since then, according to sources, several attempts were reportedly made to form another group within the ruling BJP councilors, with efforts to romp in Canacona MLA Isidore Fernandes, who publicly said he has no interest in municipal politics .
Incidentally, there are four women councilors in the ten-member Canacona Municipal Council, three of whom had decided to rotate the post amongst them for the remaining period.Kindlem councilor Prathana Naik Gaunkar had occupied post for over two and half years (after being lucky to win by a lot, following 5-5 tie). The remaining terms have been agreed betreen Rajbag-Tarir councilor Samita Dhuri (3 months), Chaudi councilor Chaya Komarpant (6 Months), and balance period till election to Bhagatwada Councilor Nita Desai.
It is learnt efforts are reportedly being made from the camp of Kindlem councilor to romp-in a couple of male councilors on her side to deny the unopposed election of Chaudi councilor.However, given the indications hectic efforts are underway to file nomination of another women councilor with reports of yet again division of votes to 5-5, prompting yet another battle of lots. Sources informed The Goan at least two male councilors along with a former chairperson are working overtime to draw support of six councilors including a woman councilor but could settle for five councilors and leave the fate to draw of lots to decide.
