In a fresh twist to local panchayat politics, six members of the Raia Vil lage Panchayat have moved a no-confidence motion against Sarpanch Jacinta Dias, barely three months after she assumed office. The motion, submitted to the Block Development Officer (BDO), Salcete, on October 10, was filed in the prescribed Form B under Rule 5 of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994. The signatories have ac cused the Sarpanch of not taking members into confi dence and failing to coop erate with them in day-to day affairs. The no-confidence mo tion has been signed by Antonio Xavier Fernandes (Ward X), Manuel Rod rigues (Ward VI), Peter Quadros (Ward VIII), God fray Oswald Souza (Ward I), Minguelina P. D’Souza (Ward II), and Queeney D’Cunha e D’Costa (Ward VII). The motion has been officially acknowledged by the BDO, and a special meeting will now be con vened within 15 days to de cide its outcome. What makes this devel opment notable is that Godfray Oswald Souza, one of the signatories, was earlier part of Sarpanch Jacinta Dias’s panel. His de cision to join the dissenting group indicates a clear rift within the ruling side of the panchayat. As per the Panchayat Raj Act, the BDO is expected to call a special meeting within 15 days from the date of submission, where members will vote on the motion. The Sarpanch can continue to hold office un til the motion is put to vote. If passed by a two-thirds majority, she will automati cally cease to hold the post, and a new Sarpanch will be elected.
No-Confidence Motion Filed Against Raia Sarpanch Jacinta Dias Just Three Months After Taking Office
