NESHWIN ALMEIDA
neshwin@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Gonzaco Rebello finally saw an end to his 10 month tenure as Margao Municipal Council Chairperson. Rebello was routed out of office 14-06 by Digambar Kamat’s group of 8 councillors – 5 councillors led by Arthur D’Silva and the Deputy Chairperson, Dhananjay Mayekar himself voting for the no-confidence.
The curtains finally came down on an embarrassing tenure for Rebello which was punctuated with many infamous moments. A citizen journalist slapped a case of illegal construction against him, social activist Aires Rodrigues recorded a case of corruption against him, his construction in Mungul was declared illegal and called for demolition by the Margao Chief Officer, he and his council was gheraoed by citizens, he resigned and withdrew his resignation in seven days, to name a few. Tuesday finally saw the curtains drawn on that tenure.
“I would never have withdrawn my resignation but Tito Cardozo urged me stay on since its only 2-months before the code of conduct is declared for fresh municipal polls. He convinced me and next day, he himself led a no-confidence against me.
Rebello had the lone support of Sangeeta Audi, who didn’t vote for the no-confidence and 4 absentees, along with himself that counts out the six votes against the no confidence.
While in contrast, the outgoing chairperson said, “I will stick to my panel of Arthur D’Silva that made me chairperson and vote for anyone the panel decides on.”
Tito Cardozo, councillor and son of former councillor on the other hand, asserted that he was happy that his group of Sushila Naik and 8-others stayed united in the no-confidence. He was unwilling to comment on why he backstabbed Rebello in less than 24-hours or whether he’s vying for the post of Chairperson.
