In a dramatic turn of events at the Raia village panchayat, Deputy Sarpanch Godfray Oswald Souza was voted out of office after a no-confidence motion against him was passed by a 6-5 majority during a special meeting held on May 19, 2025.
The meeting was convened by the Block Development Officer (BDO) and conducted in the presence of an observer appointed by the BDO to ensure transparency in the proceedings.
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The motion was passed through a show of hands, with the following six panchayat members voting in favor of Souza’s removal:
Antonio Xavier Fernandes
Judas M. Quadros
Peter Quadros
Manuel Rodrigues
Minguelina P. D’Souza
Queneey Dcunha e D’Costa
Opposing the motion were:
Sarpanch Mario D’Souza
Jacinta Dias
Cynthia Fernandes
Trifiono Cardozo
Godfray Oswald Souza himself
The result reflects a deep division within the 11-member panchayat, highlighting internal political tensions that have been building within the local governing body. With Souza now officially removed from his post, the panchayat is expected to hold internal discussions soon to elect a new Deputy Sarpanch.
