Corporator Karishetty opts out of Babush panel
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 12
Controversial sitting corporator Nagesh Karishetty, who had managed to find place in the thirty member panel announced by the Taleigao legislator Babush Monserrate, has surprisingly opted out of the panel.
Karishetty was allegedly involved in the pay parking scam that rocked Corporation of the City Panjim (CCP).
In the declaration published in some local dailies today, Karishetty maintained that he has decided to opt out of the panel “to maintain probity in public life in view of alleged charges with regard to a complaint filed by vested interests.”
“I have decided to renounce this nomination and opt out as a candidate for the CCP polls.” he declared.
This change of heart on the part of Karishetty came as a surprise because a few days back Taleigao MLA was totally in favour of retaining all the corporators who were allegedly involved scams during last five years.
In fact, speaking to this paper Monserrate had said that, “everybody is innocent until proven guilty.”
With Karishetty withdrawing his candidature from ward 8, it is learnt that former mayor Tony Rodrigues might be fielded from this ward.
Rodrigues was assigned ward 18 following indication that his ward 16 might be reserved for women.
Monserrate had declared his panel and the candidates even before reservation were notified, which are likely to be issued next week.
Another corporator from the ruling panel Uday Madkaikar who was alleged to be involved in market scam is also likely to be dropped, said sources.
Taleigao MLA who was so confident of his panel’s victory some days back now seems to be changing his strategy sensing that his opponents are uniting to defeat him.
The NCP has declared to float a panel for CCP election and to take on the might of Taleigao MLA.
