Team Herald
Close to two months ago, the people of Margao had prevented his transfer by taking to the streets, warning the government not to remove their favourite officer. On Monday, the 8th of June when Naveen L S was in reality given marching orders out of the MMC, there were disappointed voices for sure, but not the passion and anger and the will to take to the streets. It’s difficult to put one’s finger on the button on why the rockstar turned into just another good officer. The jury is still out on why the superlatives dropped. The same civil society moved from signing peans to just expressing satisfaction.
While Advocate Rajeev Gomes said no one can deny that the CO was an honest officer, endeavouring to streamline the working of the council, the trio of citizen’s voices, Ethel Lobo, Nelson Fernandes and Croydon Madeira held a press conference to praise Naveen and reiterate that they would actively monitor the council.
Gomes felt a better option for the government would have been the appointment of a municipal administrator when serious allegations of corruption were made against the councillors by the chief officer. “The transfer of Naveen is definitely politically influenced by the councillors. The government ought to have respected the sentiments of the people and refrained from transferring the CO and to the contrary ought to have guided the CO and the councillors to work together,” said Gomes.
“All this time the councillors were accusing the CO for hampering development work. Therefore this change in CO should open floodgates for development in Margao. The councillors have no excuses now,” added Gomes.
Nelson, Ethel and Croydon said they hoped the new chief officer does not bow down to the wrongs of the council and sees that all the good systems of Naveen as the CO is retained and for a more people centric MMC.
They promised to continue attending the council meetings and correct the council when it’s wrong and applaud when it’s correct.
It’s clear. Margao maybe upset but it’s no longer angry. As life goes on, with a brilliant but short innings of Naveen LS ending, this city may not quite score as much as it could have with the IAS go-getter around.
