Team Goemkarponn
Calangute: In a tense and politically charged atmosphere, a special meeting of the Calangute Village Panchayat was held on February 20, 2025, to address a no-confidence motion against Deputy Sarpanch Geeta Laxman Parab.
The motion, initiated by nine panchayat members, accuses Parab of several serious allegations, including supporting illegal activities, failing to cooperate with key developmental projects, and not adhering to an internal agreement regarding the rotation of the Deputy Sarpanch post among female ward members.
The meeting, convened under Section 51 of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, by the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Bardez, Prathamesh A. Shankardas, saw heated exchanges between Parab and her detractors. The motion was moved by panchayat members Joseph R. Sequeira, Anny Fernandes, Savin J. Gonsalves, Sapnesh M. Vaigankar, Filomena S. Fernandes, Paulo T. D’Souza, Francisco A. Rodrigues, Alex J. Coutinho, and Prasad A. Shirodkar.
Speaking to media Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira said that Geeta Parab ceases to be the Dy Sarpanch as there was an understanding that Geeta Parab will step down after two years.
“Some panch members approached me and asked when their term come. So we asked Parab to resign but she refused hence we had to bring in a No Confidence motion.
Asked about Parab’s demand for the sarpanch’s resignation, he replied, “let 6 members move no confidence against him I will resign.”
Parab has vehemently denied all allegations, terming them as “vague, frivolous, and politically motivated.” In her written response, she challenged the members to produce evidence to support their claims. She specifically refuted the claim about the rotational arrangement for the Deputy Sarpanch post, stating that no such understanding existed during her tenure.
The no-confidence motion has highlighted deepening political rifts within the Calangute Panchayat, one of Goa’s most prominent local governance bodies. The outcome of this motion is expected to significantly impact the future leadership dynamics of the panchayat. However, the special meeting concluded without a final decision, leaving the matter unresolved for now.
