PANAJI
Tempers ran high at the Chimbel panchayat’s gram sabha on Sunday after villagers clashed with the panchayat over its refusal to shift the meeting from the cramped hall to a more spacious open foreground.
The meeting, meant to discuss local issues and being held after a gap of nearly six months, quickly turned chaotic as residents accused the panchayat of deliberately restricting attendance.
It was eventually adjourned and will now be held on March 29, the Sarpanch Sandesh Shirodkar announced.
The villagers argued that the hall could not accommodate the large turnout and demanded that proceedings be moved outdoors and were furious that the arrangement was not made despite the ‘Chimbel Manch’ having formally forwarded a written request on Friday last.
Several participants raised their voices, insisting that the gram sabha is a forum for transparency and wider participation.
Panchayat members however defended their decision, citing convenience and administrative reasons. The exchange escalated, with sharp arguments between officials and villagers.
Residents alleged that the choice of venue was aimed at avoiding scrutiny. They said crucial matters such as development projects, budget allocations, and civic concerns required open discussion in a larger space. Some walked out in protest, calling the decision undemocratic.
The confrontation reflects deeper tensions between the panchayat and sections of the village’s community after the recent stand-off against the Unity Mall project.
As the meeting ended on a stormy note, the panchayat did not clarify whether future sessions would be shifted outdoors.
Villagers meanwhile vowed to continue pressing for transparency and inclusivity and the Chimbel Manch has shot off a protest letter to the Director of Panchayats Mahadev Araundekar.
