Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mapusa, Jan 8: Roopa Bhakta, a Mangalorean by origin, has been chosen as the president of Mapusa Municipality in Goa.

Roopa, daughter of the late K Gopalakrishna Pai, who was the managing partner of New Chitra Talkies here, is settled in Goa since the last about 25 years. Her husband Gurudat Bhakta hails from Kumble and runs business concern in Goa. Roopa, who is an active Congress worker, has functioned as the treasurer of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee and the president of north Goa Womens' Congress in the past. She has emerged as the first person of Mangalore origin to rise to this coveted post in Goa.

Roopa has taken over the post from the outgoing president who resigned and as such, her remaining term is only about 23 months. Incidentally, Gurudat Bhakta has been elected as the Rotary Governor of Goa for the year 2009-10.

Roopa got elected as an independent candidate, in the 15-member Mapusa Municipal Council. The council has members from the Congress, BJP, JD(S) and independents. She defeated Chitra Munerkar by bagging eight votes as against the seven polled by her opponent.