Panaji Mayor Rohit Monserrate to Continue, Vasant Agshikar Appointed Deputy Mayor
Panaji: In a significant political development for Goa's capital, Rohit Monserrate will continue serving as the Mayor of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), while Vasant Agshikar has been appointed as the next Deputy Mayor. The decision was finalized by Revenue Minister Atanasio 'Babush' Monserrate following extensive consultations and discussions with senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Long-Term Leadership and Assembly Election Plans
Rohit Monserrate is expected to remain in the mayoral position until the declaration of the assembly election results in 2027. This aligns with Monserrate's earlier announcement that Rohit would contest the next assembly election from a constituency in Tiswadi. "To tell you honestly, Rohit will be an MLA of some constituency after the next assembly election. I am confident about it. Ultimately, people will decide. There are 40 constituencies for him to contest. He will abide by the decision of the party," Monserrate stated, emphasizing the party's role in determining the specific constituency.
Electoral Success and Committee Formations
The decision comes on the heels of a sweeping victory in the CCP elections, where Monserrate's panel, 'Together for a Progressive Panaji', backed by the BJP, won an impressive 27 out of 30 wards. Monserrate informed TOI that decisions have also been made regarding the constitution of new committees and their respective members. These include:
- Standing Committee
- Market Committee
- Public Health Committee
- Public Works Committee
- Women and Child Welfare Committee
- Hospital Committee
Historical Achievement and Upcoming Corporation Meeting
With this continuation, Rohit Monserrate has achieved a notable milestone by becoming the first CCP mayor to successfully complete a full five-year term in office since the corporation's formation. The state government has issued a notification scheduling the first meeting of the corporation for March 30 at 11 am. This meeting will be held in compliance with the relevant section of the City of Panaji Corporation Act, 2002, to formally elect the mayor, deputy mayor, standing committee, and special consultative committees.
The strategic appointments and committee formations underscore the BJP-backed panel's focus on governance and development in Panaji, setting the stage for upcoming political maneuvers as the 2027 assembly elections approach.
