Local Congress leaders and workers all seem anxiously awaiting the visit of the newly-appointed Goa desk in-charge, Manikrao Thakare to the State. Both Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) Chief Amitbab Patkar and Opposition leader Yuribab Alemao are expected to have their first meeting with the new in-charge in the national capital.
Sources said the Congress High Command has called for a meeting of the leaders of the PCC and CLP from different states in Delhi along with the party in-charge, apparently to seek inputs from local leaders on how to go about the ensuing Lok Sabha polls. The Amit-Yuri duo had welcomed Thakare’s appointment as Goa in-charge. Wait and watch.
Curious case of Goa Forward staying away from INDIA block
This may make an interesting reading. Political observers are wondering why the Goa Forward party is still not part of the INDIA, the national opposition block, when the regional party has been part of the anti-BJP combine in the State. Sounds strange, isn’t it, when Goa Forward Chief Vijaibab Sardesai and party leader Durgadasbab Kamat had even participated in Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra in Madhya Pradesh earlier this year.
There were speculations that the Goa Forward leaders would attend the Opposition meeting when INDIA block leaders descended in Mumbai, but the regional party was reportedly not invited. What is the Goa Forward’s take on the opposition block against the BJP? Will the Goa Forward support the opposition alliance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls or prefer to play a neutral role? Wait and watch.
Girish's push for LS ticket not a case of shot in the dark
Guess why ex-GPCC Chief Girishbab Chodankar has not lost hopes of getting the Congress ticket to contest the Lok Sabha election from South Goa in 2024 despite his appointment as the in-charge of the four north-eastern states? Well, close aides of Girishbab say that mere appointment as party in-charge does not automatically disqualify anyone from contesting an election.
In this context, the Girish camp is quick to cite the example of then Goa Congress in-charge, Chella Kumar, who despite being the Goa in-charge, was nominated by the party for the Congress ticket in his home state, Tamil Nadu. Ex-Goa desk in-charge, Manickam Tagore is another instance cited by the Girish camp to drive home the point that mere appointment as in-charge does not disqualify a prospective candidate from contesting an election. Any takers?
Turnaround of District Hospital a difficult task before govt
Health Minister Vishwajitbab Rane may have a task cut out to honour his promise to bring about a turnaround at the South Goa District Hospital. Reason: After the Minister promised to bring the hospital back on track within 2-3 months, questions have been raised in the Saxtti countryside about whether Vishwajitbab has factored in the intervening election code of conduct that may come into force ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. For, the hospital can see a turnaround only when the Health Services recruit the promised doctors and specialised staff to man the facilities. Any questions?
Another milestone under his belt, is Digambar leaving anytime soon?
As curtains came down on Year 2023, Congress-turned-BJP MLA Diggu is set to add another feather to his cap, having completed 29 years as MLA representing the Margao constituency. Elected on the BJP ticket in 1994, Diggu has won as many as eight elections, including the 2005 bye-election. In his political career spanning 29 years, Diggu rose to preside over the CM’s kodel for a full five years and also held the Opposition leader’s post.
So what’s next on Diggu’s agenda? Will he hand over the baton to his son Yogiraj in the next election? Pose the question to Diggu and he replies, saying he has left his future in the hands of the Almighty. Any questions?
