MARGAO, OCT 2
With the government declaring elections for the civic bodies, Margao citizens under the banner of Madgao Loksamiti has decided to field a panel of candidates for the Margao Municipal Council polls, promising to field men and women who will provide leadership of thought and action in a credible, transparent and result-oriented manner.
Calling upon Madgaokars to join the Loksamiti in their sincere endeavour to make Margao the epitome of people-centric governance and a model municipality for the rest of the state, Loksamiti Convenor Dr Gopal Vaidya said “let this election not be one to decide who will come to power, but to decide who will serve the city of Madgao”.
Briefing newsmen in the presence of Joint convenors Dr Lanfred Da Costa and Vishnudas Vernekar, Mohandas Lolienkar and ohers, Dr Vaidya said the Madgao Loksamiti will not stop at these elections. “Whatever be the outcome, we will continue to be active as a watch dog-cum-pressure group to ensure that our elected representatives truly serve Madgao and work for the betterment of the city and not use their positions for self-centred personal or political ends”, he asserted.
Saying that Madgao Loksamiti is a not-for-profit organization with a very clear profit motive – the betterment and enrichment of Madgao – he said the candidates fielded by the panel will focus on the critical concerns of the city such as infrastructure management, planned development, scientific waste management and preservation of heritage. “We wish to cut across all lines of division within our city of Madgao and ensure a self governance that will care for each and every Madgaokar. Each one of us has pledged to move on from being mere complainants about the Civic problems of Madgao to being part of the solutions to these problems. During the course of this mission, we will build a team of solution providers and choose leaders who will carry the voice and the will of the citizens of Madgao”, he added.
saying that the Madgao Loksamiti is a confluence of people from all sections of society and from all walks of life, Dr Vaidya said that Loksamiti is a non-political organization of the people of Margao, for the people of Margao and by the people of Margao.
“The Loksamiti has set a criteria for the candidates. Accordingly, the panel will scrutinize the candidates whether they fall within the set parameters before taking a decision. We will also support candidates who subscribe to the agenda of the organisation’, he added.
Dr Vaidya, who was the former Margao Municipal Chairperson, lamented over the absence of stability due to frequent change in the Chairpersons in the Civic body in recent times. “A glance at the record board would reveal the long list of Chairpersons over the years”, he said.
Replying to a question, Mohandas Lolienkar said that members of the Loksamiti are not affiliated to any party or leaders, though many a member will be a member of a political party.
