Difference of opinion on MLA being appointed president of Vasco Shigmotsav Committee

The sudden appointment of Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar as the president of the Vasco Shigmotsav Committee has created two groups in Vasco. One group says that experience, tradition and communication among the committee members are essential, whereas others strongly support Salkar as president.

Shekhar Khadapkar, the ex-president of the Vasco Shigmotsav Committee, spoke in favour of Vasco MLA Krishna (Daji) Salkar and said that the few people opposing Salkar as president of the Vasco Shigmotsav Committee, were the ones pushing Daji Salkar's name for the same position last year.

Khadapkar further said that those people who were talking about law and rules should point out the specific rule and explain where exactly things have gone wrong.

Those who were arguing about five years’ experience being needed to become the president of this committee should not forget that when they suggested the name of Salkar last year for this position, they did not find this five years’ experience criteria important, said Khadapkar.

Manesh Arolkar, the former chairperson of the Mormugao Municipal Council, said that there should not be any ruckus or complications in the process of selecting the Mormugao Shigmotsav Committee.

“I have been working actively in the Shigmotsav Committee of Mormugao for more than 25 years. Our forefathers started Shigmotsav in Mormugao years ago, and they would only select a person for presidential or other important position considering his experience,” said Manesh Arolkar.

The recent ruckus which took place at Ravindra Bhavan, Baina, could have been avoided if MLA Krishna Salkar had spoken to both groups of people.

 “The unnecessary delay in selecting other committee members of the Shigmotsav Committee is also incorrect. I feel this Shigmotsav in Vasco should happen in the traditional Goan way, without any complications or internal differences. We must understand that the Mormugao Shigmotsav is exclusively of the Goan people, and it is done in a traditional manner. Goan Hindu people of all political affiliations from Mormugao taluka come and take part in this Shigmotsav. I hope this time too all stay united and Shigmotsav will be celebrated in a grand manner," Arolkar said.

It may be recalled that on Wednesday during the new Shigmotsav committee selection, the meeting turned volatile after MMC chairperson Leo Rodrigues chaired the meeting and appointed MLA Salkar as the president of the Vasco Shigmotsav Committee without consulting other Shigmotsav Committee members.

Some committee members were also unhappy to see a crowd of non-Goans during this meeting, which was unexpected. The other positions, such as secretary, treasurer, etc are yet to be selected for this year.