CUNCOLIM: While Cuncolim residents and councillors have been waiting with bated breath for the outcome of the delimitation process, the Salcete mamlatdar office stated that the new wards are likely to be announced by July 15.
As per the 2011 census, Cuncolim’s population is 16,623, which breaks up into 8,699 female voters and 7,924 male voters spread across 10 ward. The councillors hope that each ward has a uniform population and that wards number 2 and 3 will be bifurcated due to their large size, which was often difficult for a single councillor to handle.
Sources from the mamlatdar office disclosed that the Cuncolim Municipal Council’s (CMC) delimitation process was in its final stage. In short, areas of Bhuins, Culwado, Panzorconi, Veroda, Comba and Demani will be affected. CMC will get two more wards by splitting the Veroda and Comba wards.
Veroda, Bhatim, Gavthan,and parts of Poitomado will form the Veroda ward, while Shipler, Talwada, Fadtewada and Guleakoto will fall under the Talwada ward. Similarly, a part of Comba will be separated to form the twelfth ward, while Kegdicotto, Masconi and Belatem will also be separated from the Comba ward. Demandi ward is also expected to see an increase in its population.
Furthermore, parts of Culwado and Bhivnsa will be added to Ward no 9 (Vhoddi-Salemandi), which has only 600 voters. Kaknamoddi and Bazar area from Culwado ward and a part of Naingillo from Bhiunsa ward will also be shifted to Ward number 9.
It was also learnt that some of the local BJP leaders are lobbying to retain their original wards and vote banks and to ensure that the delimitation process benefits them. Some leaders are reportedly pressuring the Urban Development minister to have 13 wards instead of 12. However, sources stated that the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) was not ready to change the declared wards quota.
Reliable sources also state that Sanvorcotto ward (represented by former chairperson Devendra Dessai), Demani ward (represented by BJP heavyweight Nagesh Chitari) and the ward represented by present Chairperson Lendry Mascarenhas will reserved for ladies. Talwada will be reserved for the ST community and Vhoddi will be reserved for OBCs. The post of Cuncolim chairperson will also be reserved for women.
Some leaders are allegedly trying to change the reservation criteria of their wards. However, locals are demanding a fair, smooth and transparent delimitation process and warned the government not to indulge in foul play.
It maybe recalled that the delimitation process for the Zilla Panchayat elections in South Goa had created ripples and angst, especially among the Salcete population.
