Congress, BJP councillors unite
VASCO, NOV 2
In a major setback to Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza, 12 councillors from Congress and BJP and some independents have clubbed together to form the next council in Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC).
In the latest development to checkmate D’Souza’s plan of installing his wife, Neny, as the next chairperson, which is reserved for women, the 12 councillors met at the residence of Manesh Arolkar on Tuesday night to show their strength.
Former chairpersons Manesh Arolkar, Carlos Almeida, Sharad Chopdekar, Saifullah Khan and Shekhar Khadapkar have taken the lead to form the new council with the support of Mormugao BJP MLA Milind Naik, Cortalim MLA Mauvin Godinho and an industrialist from Vasco.
Besides, sitting Councillors Krishna Salkar and Suchita Shirodkar have supported the group, while five new faces, who have joined the group are Tukaram Redkar (Rajesh), Sudesh Korgaonkar, Sarita Palkar, Sumita Usgaokar and Bavana Bhosle.
“We have come together to form the next council for the development of Vasco and to provide stability,” said Sharad Chopdekar.
“There is no pressure from any of the legislators to form the council,” said Saifullah Khan.
Echoing similar views, newly elected women councillors stated that they have supported the group for stability and development and it was their decision, which was taken without any pressure from the legislators.
However, the councillor who will occupy the chairperson’s post is yet to be decided.
