NT Reporter
Panaji
As the Corporation of the City of Panaji heads to polls on March 11, local MLA Atanasio Monserrate’s long-standing influence over the state’s lone municipal corporation remains significant.
Monserrate, currently a BJP MLA and Minister in the Pramod Sawant-led government, has largely controlled the CCP since 2006, except for a brief period between 2012 and 2016. His panel secured majorities in 2006, 2016 and 2021, with his son Rohit Monserrate presently serving as Mayor.
Even for the upcoming polls, it is widely known that he will play a key role in finalising candidates for the 30 wards, holding consultations with BJP leadership.
Though currently representing Panaji for a second term, Monserrate earlier represented Taleigao and Santa Cruz constituencies and managed to retain influence over the CCP. During the tenure of former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar as Panaji MLA, Monserrate secured a majority in the corporation.
Rohit Monserrate is the only Mayor to complete five years in office, although the City of Panaji Corporation Act, 2002 mandates annual elections for Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The Act, enacted in 2002, granted corporation status to the Panaji Municipal Council. Ashok Naik became the first Mayor.
Since 2006, Monserrate’s panel has dominated the civic body, with several mayors emerging from his group.
