Warren calls on Vijai to discuss State's political scenario
File photo of Vijai Sardesai with Churchill Alemao.
MARGAO
Politics is hotting up in politically significant Salcete ahead of the coming polls, beginning with the Zilla Panchayat polls in November this year, followed by the 2026 Civic polls and the Assembly polls scheduled in 2027.
Last week saw Goa Forward Chief Vijai Sardesai unveiling plans on his 55th birthday to make an entry into Margao in the coming Municipal polls due in early 2026, and the 2027 Assembly election. Not just the ruling BJP, which enjoys a significant presence in the Margao Municipal area comprising of the assembly constituencies of Margao, Fatorda and the three wards of Curtorim constituency, Vijai’s decision has become a talking point in Congress circles, which has set its eyes on Margao after the induction of Chirag Naik into the party fold.
Political observers wonder whether the Congress will take things lying down or will retaliate against the Goa Forward chief by fielding candidates in the Municipal polls in the Fatorda Municipal area and set up a clash in the Fatorda Assembly seat in 2027.
Thursday saw another interesting political development unfolding in Benaulim countryside, linked to Fatorda and the Goa Forward Chief.
Even as former Minister Churchill Alemao on Thursday announced that he has decided to seek election from Benaulim in 2027, nephew Warren Alemao called on Goa Forward Chief Vijai Sardesai to discuss what he termed the state’s political scenario.
In fact, Warren and Vijai were closeted at the Goemkar Ghor, Fatorda for some time discussing the political scenario, with sources saying the former showing his willingness to embrace the Goa Forward Party. Warren made no bones of the fact, while talking to the media, that Vijai is a leader who is leading from the front, saying the Goa Forward chief is the only hope for Goa and people should give him a chance.
When the media drew attention of Churchill Alemao over the likelihood of his nephew joining Vijai Sardesai’s party, the former Minister said he has nothing to say. “Anyone is free to join politics. I have nothing to say about others. What I can say is that I will contest the 2027 Assembly election from Benaulim. Today, I called on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant with some of the pending works of Benaulim constituency, including the proposal to expedite the Benaulim Health project, proposed by me during my stint as Benaulim MLA in the last term”, Churchill said.
When asked whether his friend Vijai will give an entry to nephew Warren into the Goa Forward to field him in Benaulim in 2027, Churchill shot back “Vijai is my friend. I had gone to wish him on his birthday last week. Similarly, Vijai had come to extend his wishes on my birthday last month. But, there is a saying in politics – that there are no permanent friends and enemies in politics”, he added.
