MARGAO: In a yet another interesting development pertaining to the Margao Municipality, Advocate General Devidas Pangam informed the High Court that the rule of secret ballot will be followed for election of chairperson of municipal councils.
It is now clear that the elections for the vacant post of Margao Municipality will be held by secret ballot and not by show of hands.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The High Court on Wednesday disposed of a writ petition filed by former Margao chairperson and councillor Ghanashyam Shirodkar pleading to decide whether presiding officers have the discretion to hold elections for the ouster of municipal chairpersons through the secret ballot or by show of hands.
This development has now given a new twist in the internal politics of Margao Municipal Council.
Shirodkar told Herald that now there will be no fear to swear before God, amongst the councillors in choosing the new chairperson.
It is pertinent to note that Margao Municipal Council witnessed major political developments while electing the new chairperson, wherein Shirodkar won and was ousted by a no-confidence motion within 72 hours after election.
Earlier, Shirodkar had won the election by 15-10 votes, wherein five councillors from the BJP-backed group reportedly cross voted in favour of him. Later, within a few hours they were summoned by the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, resulting in tabling a no-confidence notice against Shirodkar and was ousted by show of hands.
Shirodkar filed a writ petition seeking to decide whether presiding officers have the choice to decide on the removal of municipal chairpersons through the secret ballot or by show of hands.
Reacting on the court verdict, Shirodkar said, “The court order has also stressed on the free and fair process of conducting the elections by favouring secret ballot. Now, it is up to the councillors to decide upon what to do, but one thing is very much clear that they do not have a fear of swearing before God to prove their loyalty to their bosses.”
The decision to contest again for the post of chairperson will be taken after further deliberating on the issue. However, it is time for councillors to decide upon taking the right decision.
Interestingly, even a few of the councillors welcomed the High Court decision over the elections of the chairperson.
“I personally feel that court order should be welcomed and implemented in the right spirit. There is nothing wrong in electing a chairperson by secret ballot,” said councillor Camilo Barreto.
Meanwhile, as informed by the reliable sources, Goa Forward Party is more likely to field their councillor for the vacant post of the chairperson or they may go ahead with Shirodkar again.
On the other hand, the BJP camp is yet to finalise their candidate for the post, as they are waiting for the Directorate of Municipal Administration notice announcing the date to elect the new chairperson.
When contacted, Advocate General Devidas Pangam declined to give details and said that he will speak only after he reads the Court order. “I am waiting for the order”, he said.
