MARGAO
The birthday cake cut by Opposition Leader Digambar Kamat on his birthday on Tuesday had an added significance this time around.
Coming as it does ahead of the counting of votes on March 10, his ardent workers could not hide their emotions. At the stroke of midnight at Malbhat, one of his close aides, Damu Shirodkar, thundered that Baba, as Kamat is fondly called, is going to cut the birthday cake this time as Goa’s Chief Minister in waiting.
And, Kamat did not let down his close aides, workers and supporters, who made it to his residence at midnight. In his inimitable style, the Opposition Leader sounded categorical when he asserted that the common man is praying and hoping that the government, that ruled the State in 2007-12 under his leadership, returns to the State once again after March 10.
“God willing, the people of Goa will be able to enjoy 'ache din' once again. The neglected sections of the society, including the motorcycle and taxi pilots and civic workers, they all look forward to someone to rule the State, someone who will lend his ears and listen to their voice”, he said.
He added: “The days of despair will finally end after March 10. The people of Goa are looking forward to a government that would work for the common and give them justice. They want a government that would protect the State, its people and the environment. They have faith that Kamat will listen to the voice of the people. Only God knows what is in his mind, but there’s a say that God listens to the voice of the common man. I am confident that what is good for Goa will happen after March 10”.
While Kamat cut his birthday cake at midnight in the presence of family members and close aides and workers, he cut another cake on Tuesday morning in the company of Margao city fathers and people from all walks of life, including religious leaders representing the three religious communities -- Hindus, Muslims and Catholics.
GPCC chief Girish Chodankar, party vice-president M K Sheikh, general secretary Subhash Faldesai and a stream of visitors descended at Malbhat to extend their birthday wishes to the opposition leader.
