In a significant civic development, a diverse coalition of doctors, lawyers, professionals, and activists in Mapusa has announced the formation of a new civil society platform named Together for Mapusa (TFM), aimed at addressing growing concerns over the town’s deteriorating condition.
Positioning itself as a “parallel opposition,” the group has vowed to hold governing authorities accountable for what it describes as years of neglect. Despite Mapusa’s legacy as a historic commercial hub, TFM members highlighted issues such as poor waste management, crumbling infrastructure, rising crime, and struggling public projects including the Sewage Treatment Plant and Ravindra Bhavan.
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“Participating in democracy is not limited to casting a vote once in five years; it is a continuous responsibility,” said Advocate Mahesh Rane, President of TFM. He added that the group will conduct ward-wise outreach to document local issues and mobilise citizen participation.
Call for ‘Swaraj’ in Local Governance
General Secretary Jitesh Kamat stated that the organisation plans to actively participate in the upcoming municipal elections, with the aim of freeing the council from political interference. He alleged that for decades, the municipal body has functioned under the influence of political parties, with elected representatives lacking independence.
TFM aims to field a panel of “clean and capable” candidates, promoting political independence and transparency. Drawing inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s concept of Swaraj, the group envisions a local governance system that truly reflects the will of the people.
The organisation also announced its executive committee, with Mahesh Rane as President, supported by multiple vice presidents, secretaries, treasurers, and executive members drawn from diverse professional backgrounds.
Beyond Elections: Reform Agenda
Vice President Vijay Bhike stated that while contesting elections is a key step, the group’s mission extends beyond electoral politics.
He outlined plans to tackle pressing civic issues such as waste management, traffic and parking chaos, healthcare challenges at the district hospital, and environmental concerns including river pollution during Ganesh Visarjan. He added that the group would adopt a solution-oriented approach, including peaceful protests and legal action where necessary.
TFM has also announced plans to conduct a city-wide survey and organise public engagement programmes to involve residents in shaping the future of Mapusa.
About TFM
Together for Mapusa is a non-partisan civil society initiative comprising citizens from varied professions and ideologies. The group aims to restore civic pride in the town through transparency, active citizen participation, and reducing political interference in local governance.
