SHWETA KAMAT
The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) is gearing up for the elections for the post of Mayor and Deputy Mayor, scheduled on March 15. But before that all eyes are set on the results of the State Assembly elections, especially of the Panjim constituency to be declared on March 11. This result will play a key role in deciding who will rule the CCP for the next one year.
The 2016 corporation election saw Atanasio Monserrate-backed panel sweeping the polls by winning 17 of the 30 wards. The ruling BJP-backed panel was made to seat in opposition with 13 councillors. The one year term of Mayor Surendra Furtado and Deputy Mayor Lata Parekh comes to end next week.
While the Monserrate-backed panel is keen to retain control over the civic body, the BJP supported panel also has its eyes trained on the mayoral race. But both the panels are anxiously waiting for the assembly results. Since for the first time Monserrate has played a big gamble contesting from Panjim which has been saffron party bastion for over 25 years.
Monserrate panel is confident about their leader’s victory from Panjim which will likely ensure the panel ruling the corporation as well as the constituency. On the other hand, BJP sitting MLA Siddharth Kunkolienkar is vying for a second term.
“Babush will decide on the post of Mayor and deputy Mayor from our panel. He has to say if I can contest. Though, during last election, he had unofficially said that he wants me to continue for entire five year term,” said the present mayor Surendra Furtado said.
When contacted, Monserrate preferred not to comment on the topic for now, stating ‘let us wait for assembly election results’.
Furtado continues to remain on the CCP council and is keen to retain the post of mayor. As per reliable sources, the panel does not have a strong contender than Furtado to head the corporation. On the other hand, for deputy Mayor it is likely that Lata Parekh, wife of former Mayor Yatin Parekh, will retain the post, even though she is facing a tough fight from Monserrate close aid Rahul Lotlikar, Uday Madkaikar and Asmita Kerkar.
Meanwhile, the saffron party is yet to chalk out its strategy for the corporation elections as the party’s leadership is waiting till the state assembly election results are declared to take a final call in the matter. Even then, the names of former Mayor Shubham Chodankar, Vaidehi Naik and first time councilor Pandurang Raut Dessai are being discussed for the post of Mayor. Not to forget, BJP panel’s ‘unofficial’ opposition leader Menino D’Cruz may also try to log in for the post.
Sheetal Naik and Rupesh Halankar are currently been discussed for the post of deputy Mayor.
“I have no idea as who will be our candidate. It will be decided after election results on March 11. Our party in consultation with the councilors will decide,” Vaidehi Naik said.
Only elected councilors are permitted to elect the mayor and deputy mayor by casting their vote, if there is more than one name in fray.
