VASCO: The ruling group of Mormugao Municipality was attired in new suits and festive gowns for the inaugural function of the centenary celebration. This has raised eyebrows in the port town, as the suits and gowns were purchased from sponsorships funds.
The ruling group maintains that the suits and gowns were not purchased from the government funds received for centenary celebration. However, the residents do not accept that councillors could use sponsorships funds for their personal use.
According to sources, the ruling councillors and the chief officer stitched customised suits and festive gowns (for lady councillors) at a cost of over Rs 2.5 lakh.
The opposition councillors, whose strength is 12, however seem to have distanced themselves from this affair and came dressed different from the ruling councillors.
Some Vasco residents claim that the MMC demanded sponsorships from corporate houses specifically for buying suits and gowns. A letter appealing for Rs 40,000 as aid for the centenary celebration was also circulated on social media, recently.
The opposition group has criticised the manner in which the funds were collected from the corporate houses and individuals.
When contacted, MMC Chairperson Kritesh Gaunkar defended the action of the ruling group in buying suits and gowns using sponsorship funds.
“We have not used any money from the government fund. Taking clothing from the money received from sponsors is not wrong at all,” Gaunkar argued.
The Opposition is now eyeing to take the ruling group head on over this issue, while the centenary celebrations begin on an exciting note.
