TEAM HERALD
CALANGUTE: It is not often that deputy sarpanchas admit to illegalities in their wards and it is even more uncommon if they decide to resign on moral grounds.
In a rare and unexpected move, Arpora-Nagoa Deputy Sarpanch Cleophas Fernandes decided to resign from his post on Wednesday, after owning moral responsibility for the illegalities in his ward (Baga).
Incidentally, Fernandes was to take charge of Arpora-Nagoa panchayat as acting sarpanch from Wednesday, but his sudden resignation has forced Arpora-Nagoa Sarpanch Sushma Nagvekar to continue in the post till alternate arrangements are made. More interesting is the fact that Fernandes has cited political pressures in allowing the illegalities in his ward and he has submitted his resignation to the sarpanch and panchayat secretary.
When contacted, Fernandes told Herald that he is “fed up” by politicians who were promoting illegalities in Baga-Arpora.
“I have been highlighting various illegalities in my ward time and again to the higher authorities, but to no avail. At times, I had initiated action against the perpetrators of illegalities, especially in my Baga ward. But the illegalities are allowed to flourish due to blessings of the powers that be,” said Fernandes.
“I am really fed up with this sort of attitude from politicians who have no respect for the deputy sarpanch or panchas of the village. I will, however, continue to be a humble worker of the people of my ward by representing them as a panch,” Fernandes added.
When asked if Calangute MLA Michael Lobo was supporting the illegalities in his ward, Fernandes declined to name any politician.
“Everyone is aware who is into these illegalities in Baga ward,” replied Fernandes.
