cozying up!
Is anything cooking between once close allies - TCP Minister, Vijaibab and Diggu? This was a common refrain at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao as the duo were engrossed in an animated discussion on the dais at the ITI induction ceremony. That the duo was seen together perhaps after a long, long time in the public seemed to have raised many an eye brow the audience, especially amongst the ITI students seated in the auditorium. Both Diggu and Vijai had together weathered many a storm and were bitter critics of the saffron brigade. It was generally perceived in Xastti's political circles that Vijaibab will have no problem to support Diggu for the CM's post in the event the Congress fell short of a majority post after March 11, before the Fatorda MLA took the unpopular decision to shake hands with Manoharbhai, Diggu's political enemy. How's that?
No qualms with new chief
He might have evinced keen interest in the past in taking over the Goa Congress leadership from bete noire Luizinhbab Faleiro. Three-time Curtorim Congress MLA Reginaldbab Lourenco was even accused of plotting to dislodge Luizinhbab from the coveted GPCC post. Much water, however, has flown down the river Sal since Luizinhbab Faleiro's replacement by veteran and party loyalist Shantarambhau and Reginaldbab seemed suddenly content with the state of affairs in the Congress.
Though the young Congress MLA was not initially opposed in taking over the reigns of the party with a prominent role in the organization, he has now told his close aides that he has absolutely no problem to work under Shantarambhau to build the party organization from the grass-roots. A change in GPCC guard seemed to have brought about a change in the Curtorim MLA as well.
It's ‘not out' for Damu
It was a week when former two-time former Fatorda MLA and senior BJP leader Damubab Naik celebrated his birthday in a low-key and quite manner.
Damubab was away in Bangalore on Wednesday on his birthday, but his family and close aides played host to the guests and supporters who trickled in all throughout the day to extend greetings to the former MLA.
Damubab appears overwhelmed by the greetings and wishes he received from people from all walks of life on his birthday.
The former MLA has told his close aides that people from all communities showered their blessings on him, which has only made him rededicate himself in serving the people. Did the top BJP brass called him up to extend their wishes on the auspicious occasion?
Damubab said party leaders including Manoharbhai and Francisbab D'Souza were amongst the host of leaders, who wished the birthday boy the very best. Happy birthday.
Monitoring from Tamil Nadu
Varca strongman Bab Churchill along with family is holed up in the pilgrim centre of Vailankani in Tamil Nadu for the feast of Our Lady of Vailankani. And, when thieves targeted the miraculous Our Lady shrine at Benaulim, many thought that members of the Churchillbab family were conspicuous presence at the shrine.
Ex-Benaulim MLA Caitubab Silva made his appearance felt at the shrine along with locals to ascertain the incident. While Churchill with wife Fatimabai, son Saviobab and daughter Valankabai are all holed up in Vailankani, sources said that Churchillbab's nephew Reagan Alemao was very much present at the spot with his dedicated band of friends and supporters.
While many spoke about Churchillbab's absence, the Alemao factor was very much felt around. Even the Benaulim MLA told the media from Vailankani that while he monitored the theft case from Tamil Nadu, Reagan did the running about in Benaulim.
Lion's share for coalition partners
Are the coalition partners in the BJP-led dispensation first amongst equals in the Manoharbhai's scheme of things. Supremos of the two regional outfits Sudinbab Dhavalikar of the MGP and Goa Forward's Chief Vijaibab Sardesai seemed to have received the respect and attention they deserved from Manoharbhai. A glance at the allocation of portfolios showed that both Sudinbab and Vijaibab have so far got four portfolios each compared to other Ministers.
Sources say that Manoharbhai hardly few options than to keep the coalition partners content and happy with the BJP tally in the Legislative Assembly now stranded at 14 - still seven short of a majority in the 40-mmeber house.
And, if sources in the know are to be believed that amongst the duo, Vijaibab seemed to have no grievance against the Chief Minister at least for the moment with his proposals finding favour with Manoharbhai. Any takers?
