Team Herald
BICHOLIM: The elections to 35 devasthan (temple) committees were held under the guidance of Bicholim Mamlatdar, Pravinjay Pandit for the triennium 2019-22.
According to the Mamlatdar, there are 39 registered devasthans in Bicholim and elections were held for all these devasthans, however, committees of 35 devasthans were elected.
The election of Shree Siddeshwar Devasthan, Surla was postponed by the managing committee as they had not prepared the ballot paper for the election expecting uncontested election. Since there was more than one contestant for one post, the election was postponed. Election of Shree Kankeshwari Shantadurga Panchayatan Saunsthan, Naroa was also postponed by managing committee due to dispute among the mahajans.
Election to Shree Devi Sharvani Vetal Maharudra Panchayatan Saunsthan, Advapal was not fixed on Sunday by the managing committee as there is a stay order of High Court on the list of mahajans and the matter is subjudice before High Court.
Also election of Shree Rudreshwar Devasthan, Harvalem was not fixed by the managing committee as the list of mahajans is not prepared by retired Sessions Judge Pramod Kamat who is appointed as adjudicator by High Court and he has sought extension of time from High Court for preparing the list of mahajans as per High Court directives.
The election of managing committee of Shri Maya Kelbai Devasthan, Mayem was conducted on February 10 in the premises of Mahamaya Temple, Mayem. The election was supervised by Mamlatdar Pravinjay Pandit.
To avoid any untoward incident around 40 police personnel were deployed at the site.
Last election of the Kelbai Devasthan committee was conducted in the year 2002 and though elections were fixed thereafter the same were postponed due to law and order situation. The Mamlatdar had made elaborate arrangement to conduct the election of the committee this time and only those persons who are mahajans were allowed to enter the precincts of the devasthan hall. The election of the devasthan committee was conducted successfully after a gap of 16 years.
Meanwhile, election for the office bearers of the Managing committee of Shree Mahalasa Saunsthan in Mardol was also held and results were declared on the same day. Out of the 1200 members, 419 were present and cast their vote.
Gaondongrem Mallikarjun temple too elected a new committee. Kusta Gaonkar, Attorney of the temple said that the committee is elected for triennium and as per the requirements the results are submitted to the Mamlatdar of Canacona.
