MARGAO
Politics took the centrestage at the Curtorim residence of Reginaldo Lourenco on Tuesday, when a stream of visitors, including politicos from all walks of life called on the three-time MLA to extend their birthday greetings.
Against the backdrop of intense speculations that Reginaldo may part ways with the Congress after the birthday celebration, politics indeed took the centrestage at his residence, with even his ardent supporters left wondering what lies in store for them in the coming days.
The Congress delegation came in strength at his residence, apparently to convey a message to the party MLA that the party stands by him. Led by GPCC chief Girish Chodankar, the delegation comprised of working president, Aleixo Sequeira, vice-president Altinho Gomes, district president Joe Dias, new entrant Avertano Furtado, Mahila Congress chief Beena Naik and others.
Even as Girish termed as rumours and speculations to reports that Reginaldo is leaving the Congress, Opposition leader Digambar Kamat walked in Reginaldo’s residence with a flower bouquet along with his group of Margao Municipal Council. “I have only come to wish Reginaldo. I have always come to wish Reginaldo on his birthday,” Kamat said.
To a question, Kamat said news and reports may be circulating that Reginaldo is leaving the party. Downplaying the reports, Kamat said similar rumours have been doing the rounds that Digambar Kamat is leaving the party. “I don’t think Reginaldo is leaving. He is not a new politician, but a three-time MLA. I am confident he would not do anything without thinking seriously,” he added.
Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai made his entry at Reginaldo’s residence around noon. The Fatorda MLA went into a huddle with Reginaldo for some time and is believed to have impressed upon his Curtorim counterparts not to take any decision in haste. He is believed to have advised Reginaldo to stay put in the Congress instead of joining AAP or any other party.
Anxiety rent the air again just before the Digambar-Girish duo was to address the media with Reginaldo at his residence on Tuesday evening. The media and Reginaldo’s well-wishers including Velim Sarpanch Savio D’Silva, Dixon Vaz and others were anxious to know what lies in store at the media briefing. And, when Girish and Digambar finally walked in at the residence around 4.30 pm, the duo went straight into a room to go into a huddle with Reginaldo.
Shortly after the media briefing ended, Revenue Minister Jennifer Monserrate made her presence felt at the resident to wish Reginaldo a happy birthday.
