Opposition fears delimitation exercise may favour ruling dispensation
MARGAO
The State Election Commission’s proposal to increase the strength of the Margao Municipal Council from the existing 25 wards to 27 has triggered political speculation and drawn sharp reactions from the opposition, with critics alleging that the move is aimed at accommodating ruling party loyalists ahead of the civic polls.
The proposal comes in the wake of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, during which the number of wards in the Margao Municipal Council was initially expected to be reduced from 25 to 24 based on voter population figures. However, in a surprising turn of events, the Commission has now proposed an increase to 27 wards in the Class A municipal body, taking into account the population figures.
Sources, however, pointed out that even before the State Election Commission formally moved ahead with the proposal, whispers in the corridors of the Margao Municipal building had already hinted at an expansion in the ward strength, lending credence to speculation that the exercise may have been politically driven.
The process of delimitation, which will now be undertaken by the Electoral Registration Officers, is being keenly watched by political observers and stakeholders alike. Sources on the ground indicated that one of the two additional wards is likely to be carved out from the existing wards situated south of the railway line — an area believed to have a sizeable concentration of grass-roots leaders aligned with the ruling dispensation.
Political circles in Margao are abuzz with discussions that the increase in wards is aimed at striking a delicate political balance within the ruling camp by creating room for aspiring local leaders seeking electoral opportunities in the civic body.
Opposition leaders and sources close to anti-ruling groups have already raised questions over the timing and intent behind the proposal. They fear that the delimitation exercise could be structured in a manner that benefits the ruling establishment electorally.
“The game plan appears quite clear. Firstly, it is meant to accommodate the aspirations of grass-roots leaders and prevent rebellion within the ruling fold. Secondly, the attempt is to ensure that the two additional seats ultimately go into the party’s pocket and increase the tally of seats in the scheme of things,” sources in the opposition alleged.
The opposition has further indicated that it will closely monitor the delimitation process to ensure transparency and fairness in the redrawing of ward boundaries.
With the civic polls expected in the coming months, the proposed increase in wards is set to add a fresh political dimension to the battle for control of the Margao Municipal Council, where local equations and ward-level dynamics often play a decisive role in shaping electoral outcomes.
