MARGAO: A political dispute has erupted in Margao over the leadership roles at the Municipal Council, with BJP Councillor Camilo Barretto from Fatorda constituency expressing dissatisfaction. Barretto claims that councillors from Margao constituency currently hold both the positions of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, and this situation is deemed unfair to Fatorda councillors.
Barretto alleged that a commitment was made to provide an opportunity to a BJP councillor from Fatorda after the completion of 15 months as Chairperson by Damodar Shirodkar, who belongs to the Margao constituency and is associated with BJP MLA Digambar Kamat’s camp. Chairperson Shirodkar refuted any such agreement a day before.
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“I had taken up this issue with the BJP State president Sadanand Tanavade, wherein he informed me that instructions have been given to the Fatorda BJP leader and former MLA Damu Naik to hand over the charge of Chairperson to me,” stated Barretto.
He further said that present Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar has completed his 15 months and performed his duties, and now it is his responsibility to hand over charge to others.
“Shirodkar used to always say that he had no personal interest in holding the chair, then how come now he is not ready to step down,” questioned Barretto. He is of the opinion that councillors belonging to scheduled tribes have a capacity to lead the council and now the decisions will be taken by the local political leaders. “Now, both the chairs; Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson need to be given to the BJP councillors from Fatorda,” said Barretto.
