MARGAO: The Margao municipal elections will see several women heavyweights square off either as independents or with the backing of the BJP, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai.
BJP-backed Priya Kamat is one such contender as she has been a member of the Ravindra Bhavan and has contact with the party’s decision makers. Devbala Bhise, who has been a long-time BJP soldier, may also have an edge.
MLA Digambar Kamat is presently supporting Sushila Naik, a former chairperson, and Doris Texeira, a sitting councillor. Both have been involved with the Margao municipality for a long time.
Additionally, Babita Naik of Ward 23 has had three terms in the MMC and has a good relationship with the MMC workers. Former MMC Chairperson Radha Kavlekar is also in the fray.
Top job for women in four councils
The State government has reserved four out of eleven municipal council chairperson seats for women. The municipal councils of Margao, Cuncolim, Canacona and Pernem will have women chairpersons.
In an notification issued on Wednesday, DMA Elvis Gomes has said that the seats for chairpersons are reserved under Goa Municipalities Act 1968.
“Under Goa Municipalities Act 1968, the seats are reserved for the office of Chairperson for women in the municipal councils on rotation basis,” Gomes said.
In 1995, the seats reserved for the chairperson for women were Bicholim, Curchorem-Cacora, Mormugao and Ponda.
In 2000, the seats reserved were Margao, Canacona, Cuncolim and Pernem, while in 2005 the seats reserved were of Mapusa, Quepem, Sanguem and Valpoi. In 2010, the seats reserved for Chairperson post include Bicholim, Curchorem-Cacora and Mormugao municipal council. Eleven municipal councils will be going for polls on October 25. Nearly 30 percent reservation is granted to women in total 159 wards.
