CCP facing ‘functional problems’ as Mayor and Deputy Mayor play truant to further their political aspirations.

 SHWETA KAMAT

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PANJIM:  Goa’s only city corporation is facing the brunt of forthcoming state legislative assembly election. The affairs at the Corporation of City of Panjim (CCP) have come to standstill as city fathers are busy lobbying for ticket.

With CCP Mayor Yatin Parekh set to contest on Congress ticket in Panjim, Deputy Mayor Rudresh Chodankar is bolstering his chances in Mayem, where he is likely to contest on BJP ticket or independent.

The recently cancelled council meeting (January 31) is an indication that CCP has begun crippling.

The ordinary council meeting was suddenly cancelled as both – Mayor and deputy, were not present. Worse still, both were not available on phone, when councilors tried to contact them.

The meeting was supposed to discuss major issues like banning exhibitions and commercial activities at Campal ground and Kala Academy, hike in rent of shops at the municipal building and formation of CCP traffic committee.

CCP, which has been unable to tackle the garbage issue in a foolproof manner in the city, it might see the nuisance aggravate due to the inaction of its elected corporators.

While, CCP staff  have already begun to complain about non availability of Deputy Mayor in the chamber, but Parekh who is generally available, would make the administrative situation worse in the days to come as he plans to go on leave, if given Congress ticket.

“Chodankar is not to be seen in office for over last one month…he might have turned up once or twice…we have to rush to his house in the morning hours to get work done or it remains pending,” a worker disclosed.

“I will proceed on leave as it would be difficult to handle both the responsibilities. But let’s see how it works,” Parekh reacted talking to Herald.

Chodankar, who usually would have taken over the reigns in Parekh’s absence, is busy in Mayem. He has already started pulling strings for BJP ticket. If denied the ticket, he will contest as an independent there.

When contacted, Rudresh did not mind being absent in his chamber as he feels “there is nothing much to do and also I am available on phone and also at my residence in the morning hours. Like Panjim, Mayem too requires attention,” he commented.

The non-functioning of the administration has already irked opposition councilors. Corporator Vaidehi Naik said that in the absence of Mayor they have to bank on the Commissioner. “Mayor has certain responsibility towards the city…CCP is completely non-functional,” she commented.

Another opposition corporator Shubham Chodankar said that there is no point in discussing the issue. “Panjimites are the biggest suffers and we have to admit the fact,” he added.