CORTALIM: Six out of nine panchas of Cansaulim-Arossim-Cuelim Panchayat abstained from the election for the post of sarpanch.
Those who abstained are Dy Sarpanch Baylon Gomes, Cassandra Almeida, Filomena D’Mello, Ratnadeep Naik, Savio Dias and Jose Maria Furtado.
In a statement, the six panchas said that although they enjoyed a clear majority and a mandate to govern by the people they abstained from voting because their ‘efforts and proposals towards planning and sustained development of the village have been sabotaged by the local MLA and government’.
“Our current government, on whose assurance we came to power, unfortunately speaks two languages. They proclaim good governance as their aim on one side, but in actuality, do everything that contravenes good governance,” says the statement.
Claiming that their aim was never for power, the six panchas listed out some of the works that had been allegedly held up. They named the Verna-Cansaulim road which is awaiting repairs, Cansaulim market development with planned drainage and pavers, rail under walkway in Cansaulim market, minor cross drains/road repairs in areas were the need is urgent. They also alleged conversion of paddy fields and low lying areas into settlement. Speaking to Herald, Gomes said that the main reason to boycott the election was to show disgust with the government functioning, which was only stalling developmental projects thereby putting the villagers to inconvenience. The panchas also alleged that their jobs and businesses have been targeted but said they will continue to work for the development of the village.
