Mapusa municipality chief faces heat from own panel

Mapusa: Conflict of interest among councillors and party functionaries has led to a strong sense of resentment against Mapusa Muncipal Council (MMC) chairperson Rohan Kavlekar, said sources, adding that over 50% of the 20-member civic body are unhappy with Kavlekar's way of functioning.

Politically, issues are likely to gain clarity once Mapusa MLA and minister Francis D'Souza, who is currently out of station, returns. An unofficial meeting has already been held among councillors to discuss the issue, sources also said.

Sources said, there is a feeling that Kavlekar wants to 'run a one-man show' for he has allegedly been making policy decisions by taking only party functionaries into consultation and sidelining other council members. Councillors are of the opinion that policy decisions should be made independent of party functionaries.

Recently, CM Manohar Parrikar had called for two review meetings in Mapusa to take the stock of ongoing development works and study proposals for future projects. Following the first meeting, he said he had issued directions for putting the town's functioning in order and given his approval to some projects. He had also said that he will head another meeting in 15 days with MLA D'Souza in attendance, but the MLA had not returned in time for the same.

Sources said, some councillors felt slighted during Parrikar's second meeting as Kavlekar allegedly did not inform them of the gathering. The same set of councillors were contemplating a no-confidence motion against Kavleakar on October 15, but the plans were put on hold in D'Souza's absence. With the MLA expected to return on October 31, political developments are likely to occur.

Some councillors, allegedly, are also unhappy over the slow pace of progress of development projects.