TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Chairperson of Margao Municipal Council Gonzaco Rebello on Monday unexpectedly withdrew his resignation from the post of chairperson which he had tendered to the Directorate of Municipal Administration last week, claiming support of all councillors and the need to complete of pre-monsoon works as the reason for his decision.
However, the councillors have rubbished his claims and vowed to take him down through a no-confidence motion.
The news of Gonzaco’s u-turn on his resignation took all the councillors by surprise. Strong voices of dissent seemed to have emerged within the council. A councillor, on condition of anonymity, said that they are definitely going for a no confidence motion against the chairperson.
After his decision, the entire council has apparently turned against him. Another councillor said, “Gonzaco Rebello, our chairperson has put all the councillors to utter shame in the public. We have no face left to go to the people now”.
The councillor informed that Rebello was approached by all the fellow members to step down three months ago, but he pleaded to allow him to stay as he wanted to defy Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai.
The second instance when Rebello was to be removed he approached former Fatorda MLA Damu Naik, former chief minister Digambar Kamat and Sardesai to retain his seat.
While speaking to Herald, Rebello claimed that all the councillors requested him to stay because the tenders have been passed and they need him to execute the works.
“The councillors want me to work to utilise the funds received from the DMA and complete pre-monsoon works and others. That is the reason I have withdrawn my resignation”.
Asked whether he has consulted the Urban Development Minister, he said he has not made any correspondence with anyone.
Adv Rajeev Gomes who has been voicing his dissent over the entire MMC drama said:
“The withdrawal of the resignation by the Chairperson of MMC Gonzaco Rebello, clearly indicates that he still shares the sympathy and support of all the councillors; besides exposing the cowardice of the other councillors, he is seeking election as chairperson. It appears that the council has lost its competency and its ability to continue with the administration and therefore it is imperative that the Government should immediately appoint a Municipal Administrator to manage the affairs of MMC.”
The councillors have vowed to take Rebello down, citing the reason that if he continues as Chairperson, they will be shamed in the coming elections.
They say, “Gonzaco’s fight with the chief officer has left us with no courage to face the people in our wards”. Sources said that Rebello only has the support of three councillors – Bertha Cardozo, Damu Shirodkar and Joseph Silva.
