VASCO: Mormugao politicians and residents have strongly reacted to the postponing of the elections to the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the local municipality.
Coming down heavily on the government, Congress leader Sankalp Amonkar said, “It is the responsibility of the urban development minister to see to that municipal elections and works are done smoothly without interruption. But I feel that the Milind Naik is totally misusing the government machinery in this matter. Vasco people are suffering this monsoon because of the differences within the BJP party MLAs.”
He alleged that Naik is behind the postponement of the election. “He fears that his panel will be defeated if the elections are held,” he said.
BJP senior leader Rajendra Arlekar said that the political events taking shape in the Mormugao Municipal Council are “unhealthy and the people are suffering because of the internal politics of the council.”
“There are several major issues which need to be tackled in Vasco. But it is unfortunate that after almost two months we are yet to have new chairperson and vice chairperson,” he said.
Vasco-based activist Savio Correia said, “I am very disappointed with the council which has totally failed to discharge its duty. The elected representatives are accountable to the people. But unfortunately it seems that the councilors are busy playing musical chairs and toppling games when the entire city is plagued with water logging, power cuts and other improper amenities. If they are unable to give a chairperson and vice chairperson and things are getting postponed then I feel that the government should dissolve the council immediately and appoint an administrator to run the affairs.”
Preetam Naik, local from Vasco, opined that Urban Development Minister Milind Naik should suspend the presiding officer for playing “gimmick.”
“Vasco is suffering, but the councilors are busy playing politics,” he said.
Repeated efforts to contact Minister Milind Naik failed.
