Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: In what is being described as the last leg of the “musical chair” arrangement within the Canacona Municipal Council (CMC), Chairperson Sara Shamba Naik Desai has stepped down to make way for fellow councillor Laxuman Pagui.
As per an amicable understanding among the ruling group of councillors, Sara resigned two days ago after completing 14 months in office. Pagui, representing Palolem, will now occupy the coveted Chairperson’s post.
Of the 12-member council, seven councillors had formed the ruling group soon after the 2021 elections, choosing to rotate the posts of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson through the term—without the support of then BJP MLA and Deputy Speaker Isidore Fernandes.
The power-sharing arrangement saw Simon Rebello (Palolem-Ourem) take charge first as Chairperson, followed by Ramakant Naik Gaunkar and Sara Naik Desai. The Vice-Chairperson’s post was similarly rotated among Amita Pagi, Narcisco (Nadin) Fernandes and Gandesh Madgavkar.
The current council’s term is set to end in March 2026. While municipal elections are due immediately after, reports suggest the next polls could be delayed until October 2026, with preparations already underway among aspirants.
