Team Herald
PANJIM: The ongoing controversy surrounding the recent elections of the Gomantak Goud Maratha Samaj (GGMS) has taken a new turn, with the District Registrar and the Inspector General of Societies (South) intervening in the matter.
On August 9, 2024, the annual general body meeting (AGM) and elections for GGMS were scheduled to take place. However, conflicting reports emerged about the conduct of these proceedings and two groups claimed victories last month. A group led by Vishwas Gaude claimed to have conducted the elections, resulting in Gaude being selected as president.
However, four members namely Govind Shirodkar, Ravindra Gaonkar, Ravindra Velip and Premanand Gaude filed a formal complaint alleging serious irregularities in the election process. The complainants asserted that a separate, properly conducted election was held at the originally scheduled time on the same day.
Meanwhile, the District Registrar’s office issued a notice, acknowledging receipt of the complaint against the managing committee headed by Vishwas Gaude. The said notice has directed Gaude to provide a parawise response to the allegations within the next 10 days. Importantly, the Registrar has stated that the new committee submitted by Gaude on August 12, 2024, cannot be taken on record until this matter is resolved. Thus the committee submitted by Gaude is kept in abeyance.
On September 11, 2024, a letter was submitted to the District Registrar of different elected committee comprising president- Ravindra Gaonkar, vice-president- Govind Shirodkar, secretary- Ravindra Velip, joint secretary- Nilesh Gaude, treasurer- Falgun Gawas and chief organiser- Premanand Gaude.
The legitimacy of GGMS’s leadership is now in question, with two competing committees claiming authority and the District Registrar is expected to make a final decision after reviewing all submitted documents and responses.
The organisation plays a crucial role in the community, and the resolution of this matter may impact various proposed projects and assets associated with society. One particular issue is an ongoing land case involving GGMS and the Directorate of Tribal Welfare.
, and the proposed Tribal Bhavan on the land of GGMS at Porvorim.
The community now awaits the District Registrar’s decision, which will determine the legitimate leadership of this important social organisation.