MAPUSA
For the first time in nearly three decades, the election to the Board of Directors of the Bardez Bazaar Consumer Cooperative Society are set to witness a fierce three-way contest, breaking a long-standing tradition of consensus-based selection.
So far, 20 nominations have been filed. Of these, 13 belong to the group led by former president Nikhilchandra Khalap, while seven are from the camp of former president Dharma Chodankar. Nominations from a third group headed by former president Jaywant Naik are expected on the final filing date, September 15. The polls are scheduled for October 5.
Nominations must be filed by September 15 (4 pm) at the Mapusa Sub-Registrar’s office. Scrutiny will take place on September 16 and 17 and withdrawals will be accepted between September 19 and 22.
The final list of candidates and allotment of symbols will be announced on September 22.
Voting will be held on October 5 from 8 am to 5 pm, followed by counting on October 6 at 10 am at the Mapusa Sub-Registrar’s office, with results to be declared the same day.
For the past 30 years, elections to the Bardez Bazaar board were conducted unanimously under the leadership of promoter Adv Ramakant Khalap, even amid occasional differences.
This time, however, three powerful factions “ led by Chodankar, Khalap and Naik “ are set to lock horns for the society’s 14 director seats, making this one of the most closely watched elections in the cooperative’s history.
