The ‘Sahakar Navajeevan’ panel has secured a decisive victory in the Bardez Bazaar Consumers Cooperative Society election, winning 12 out of the 14 director positions. This marks a significant moment in the cooperative’s history, with the first election held in 35 years.
The elected members from the panel are Vijay Bhike, Ravindra Fogueri, Sakharam Gaonkar, Sudhir Kandolkar, Pramod Karpe, Nikhilchandra Khalap, Eknath Nagvekar, Nitin Naik, Mahadev Natekar, and Narayan Ratwad. In the reserved category for women, Dr. Pratiksha Khalap and Nirmala Khalap emerged victorious.
Ramakant Khalap, founder of the Bardez Bazaar Consumers Cooperative Society, emphasised the need to establish an umbrella organisation for the cooperative sector across the state. He announced that the newly elected panel would soon convene to elect the chairman and vice-chairman.
“We need a roadmap for the next 25 years to take Bardez Bazaar ahead. The newly elected panel will work unitedly. And if someone tries to divide us, we will not support them,” Khalap stated.
He reiterated his long-standing vision of setting up a Bardez Bazaar mall. “Land was acquired and a plan was created but work didn’t move ahead due to various reasons. In the next six month
, let’s try to start the work. We need to have home deliveries and if sales increase, then we can provide more jobs,” he said.He also confirmed plans to hold a meeting of the newly elected directors and the general body meeting that was previously postponed. Khalap appealed for government support, stating, “The cooperative sector cannot be considered opposition. Just as we have the support of the shareholders, we want the support of the government, the ministers and MLAs. We need the support of the Chief Minister, Cooperative Minister Subhash Shirodkar and his ministry. All of us will meet Shirodkar and the chief minister.” He further expressed hope for the revival of the Mapusa Urban Co-Operative Bank and said he would continue urging the government on this matter.Sudhir Kandolkar, thanked shareholders and pledged to fulfill their expectations. “The mall has to be completed, which is pending for 25 years, as well as other works. We will work selflessly,” he said.
Narayan Ratwad noted the historical significance of the election. “Our shareholders were excited to vote for our panel. I thank them for their support,” he said.
Nikhilchandra Khalap highlighted the panel’s preparation, stating, “We had done a lot of homework behind our promises which formed our basis. We tried to have clarity on the direction ahead for 25 years.”
Dr. Pratiksha Khalap expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support. “Everyone on our panel has won. We are extremely delighted. We have outlined our vision and will carry forward the movement started by our founders,” she said.
Eknath Nagvekar affirmed the panel’s commitment to shareholder expectations. “We will fulfill our promises to the shareholders,” he stated.
Shareholder Sushant Gaonkar voiced support for the panel’s vision, particularly the focus on home deliveries and improved customer facilities, along with the long-awaited mall project.
