Has Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho anything to say about TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane’s reported remark that local bodies enjoy the right to deny NOCs for projects cleared by the Town and Country Planning Department? After all, village panchayats have often seen their decisions refusing NOCs for controversial housing projects being stayed in the past by panchayat authorities, including the BDOs and the Additional Director of Panchayats, effectively overturning the panchayats’ decisions. Any questions?
Cong High Command maintains status quo on Patkar until 2027?
The weekend saw the camp of GPCC chief Amit Patkar in a jubilant mood, claiming the Congress High Command has decided to maintain status quo on the GPCC leadership until the 2027 Assembly elections. Patkar was in Delhi over the weekend for a meeting with senior Congress leader K C Venugopal to discuss party matters. His loyalists back home were quick to point out that Patkar is set to remain in the post until the 2027 Assembly polls. One can only imagine the reaction of party leaders who had left no stone unturned to dislodge him from the position. Wait and watch.
Cong silence over aviation hub at Quitol raises eyebrows
The Congress leadership appears to have maintained silence on the controversial aero sports and aviation hub project proposed on the Quitol plateau in Quepem constituency, represented by party MLA Altone D’Costa. Neither the local MLA nor Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, GPCC chief Amit Patkar, nor South Goa district president Savio D’Silva have publicly unveiled their stand on the project. The proposal involves the Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board handing over a staggering 2.45 lakh square metres of prime government land for the project. Interestingly, BJP leaders too have remained silent on the issue. Intriguing, isn’t it?
Reginaldo’s praise for Babush sparks curiosity
Guess which MLA complimented Revenue Minister Babush Monserrate for sweeping the elections to the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP)? None other than Curtorim Independent MLA and BJP coalition partner Reginaldo Lourenco, but for a different reason – if you work for the people, the people will reward you with electoral success. So what exactly is Reginaldo trying to convey through his remarks on the CCP results? While he currently remains a BJP coalition partner, the Curtorim MLA appears to be sending a subtle message that sustained work in one’s constituency eventually pays off at the ballot box. Is Reginaldbab sending a message that the work he has carried out in his own turf will stand him in good stead notwithstanding his alliance with the BJP. Only time will tell.
Vijai signals halt to housing project in Dovondem
Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai seemed to have decided to handle the storm brewing over the controversial 290-apartment housing project proposed in his backyard Dovondem, in his inimitable fashion. Accompanied by councillors Johnny Crasto and Lyndon Pereira and Dovondem locals, Sardesai visited the project site and had the security open the gates – a clear signal to the project proponent that work on the site should halt. Wait and watch as Vijaibab has issued a diktat that work should stop immediately irrespective whether the project has permission or not.
