PANJIM: Miffed over City Commissioner Ajit Roy bypassing the Corporation over crucial issues, Panjim Mayor Surendra Furtado has decided to boycott the Carnival celebrations in Panjim. Furtado claims support from other corporators, including some from the BJP panel, who have also resolved not to take part in the festivities.
“We will boycott Carnival. We will neither take part nor render any assistance in organising the event in the Capital. Let the Commissioner handle it on his own,” an angry Mayor told Herald on Wednesday.
His reaction follows the constitution of the Panjim Carnival Committee 2018 without ‘consulting’ him. Furtado has written to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Directorate of Municipal Administration and the Corporation of City of Panjim Commissioner expressing his disappointment over the development.
“It is surprising and regrettable that although the Carnival Committee has been constituted by the Commissioner under my Chairmanship, I have not been consulted about the members of the Committee or any matter connected therewith. Since I am a citizen of this City, besides Mayor of this urban local body, I know better about the celebrations of this festival and as such the Commissioner should have referred the relevant file to me before issue of this order. The protocol and office procedure also demands such action from the Commissioner,” the Mayor said in the letter sent to the three offices.
Speaking to Herald, Roy said, “As per the constitution of the Carnival Committee, it is to be formed by Commissioner for hosting Carnival in Panjim. As per the Constitution, Mayor is the Chairman and we have appointed him accordingly. I would not like to comment (on the allegation) that Mayor was not consulted for the settings up of the committee, but would like to state that consulting him is not needed because there is no change in constitution.”
As per the order by Roy, who is also the Secretary of the Panjim Carnival Committee, Deputy Mayor Lata Parekh has been appointed deputy chairman. The 39-member committee also has six advisors and one treasurer.
