Terming the High Court order staying election in some of the Panchayat wards as a censure of the Parrikar-led government folly in the delimitation and reservation of wards, former Nuvem MLA Mickky Pacheco on Thursday demanded that the government postpone the Panchayat election till the delimitation and reservation of wards is carried out as per laid down guidelines.
MARGAO
“The High Court order only goes to show the unlawful decision taken by the government at the time of delimitation and reservation of Panchayat wards. Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar should think on the High Court decision and postpone the election and order fresh delimitation and reservation of wards,” Mickky told the media.
He was categorical in saying that the government has succumbed to the pressures of the BJP’s alliance partners in the delimitation and reservation of wards.
The former minister pointed out that many wards in the villages of Nuvem constituency have been reserved for OBCs when there’s hardly any members of the community. “Three out of seven wards in my Betalbatim village have been reserved for the OBCs. I do not understand what criteria was adopted by the officials. At Nuvem village, they have reserved the ST dominated Kirbhat for the OBC. ST areas in Verna have also been reserved for the OBCs without any rhyme or reason,” he said, while demanding postponement of the Panchayat election.
Mickky pointed out that the High Court has granted stay in some of the panchayat wards only because the government has failed in carrying out the delimitation and reservation of wards as per the norms. “If the CM gives a free hand to the alliance partners, the government will not function as per the rules. The High Court order on the Panchayat reservation issue says it all,”
he added.
