Priol (Goa) In what seems to be a mockery of democracy, a special meeting called to discuss no confidence motion against sarpanch of Veling-Priol-Cuncolim panchayat had to be called off after Secretary remained absent.

The meeting was called after no confidence motion was moved against sarpanch Mangaldas Gawade by few panch members. The sarpanch owing allegiance to BJP has now claimed that local MLA and State Art and Culture Minister Govind Gawade was mastermind behind the attempt to dethrone him.

The Sarpanch has said that he would have defeated the no confidence motion as majority of the panch members were with him.

“we were surprised how secretary abstained from attending the meeting. Even the observer had arrived. This is a joke of democracy,” he said.

The incident reflects the simmering difference in Manohar Parrikar led government which is supported by Gawade and who has been given a position in the cabinet.