Advocate Rajeev Gomes reasoned that most politicians are brash and uncouth in their interactions; but an IAS chief officer was definitely not expected to stoop to such levels.
“No tall claims of honesty can justify the total lack of temperament and self control. If the chief officer had the interests of the people in mind, he ought to have exercised restraint,” said Gomes.
Gomes also said that if such incidents recur then there was a legitimate reason for the government to appoint a municipal administrator.
“The interests of Madgaonkars will be protected and promoted only when both the warring individuals forthwith bury the hatchet and work together towards completing the already delayed municipal work,” added Gomes.
Activist Jose Maria Miranda concurred and felt that both must work together. He observed that there was no reason for the new chairperson to ask the chief officer to stand up and talk to him and felt it appeared to be an attempt to humiliate him and that surely the latter took it as such.
“The CO’s reaction and outburst was also too harsh. If he had proof against the present chairperson he ought to have investigated and acted,” said Miranda.
Activist Cedric Da Costa felt that by stooping so low, the IAS qualified MMC chief officer showed there was hardly any difference between him and the councillors.
Da Costa added that it is public knowledge that the chief officer is under severe intimidation by the council members and has been able to rein in high corruption levels. Da Costa also hoped the chief officer and chairperson who hold the future of Margao in their hands, patch up their differences immediately.
Former MMC chairperson Savio Coutinho reasoned that unless there is a liaison between the chairperson and the chief officer, Margao will never see development and added that he had experienced cranky officers, but had never been confronted like this.
“It is of prime interest for Madgaokars to see how civil society reacts to this incident. Earlier when a single councillor had alleged fraud and demanded transfer of the chief officer, civil society thundered and roared. With the change of guard, it has to be seen what stand they take,” added Coutinho.
Activist Dixon Vaz felt that the councillors and chief officer, instead of arguing, should focus on the many issues that need attention and that the chief officer must work with the elected representatives for the betterment of the citizens.
