Kabrastan imbroglio or Reginaldo
Once beaten, twice shy, so goes the saying. Congress MLA Reginaldbab seemed to have adopted an overcautious approach over the sensitive issue of Kabrastan that has raised its ugly head at Sonsodo, bordering Curtorim constituency. The reason: The Curorim MLA had in the past opposed Kabrastan in Sao Jose de Areal and Manora, both areas in Curtorim constituency. And, he believes that his stand against Kabrastan had cost him success in the 2014 Lok Sabha poll. He recalled how certain Muslim leaders went to the town, painting him as anti-Muslim for his stand against the Kabrastan. And, when he explained all this at the meeting at Sonsodo last Sunday, someone from the audience was overheard saying that he need not worry when Niz Goemkars are behind him. For the moment, Reginaldbab has not demanded scrapping of the Kabrastan, but at the same time vowed to stand by the people. An ambivalent stand indeed, isn't it?
Babu & beach cleaning scam
It was a week when coalition partner Goa Forward Party sent a clear signal that it is not supportive of BJP's demand for the resignation or sacking of Leader of the Opposition Babu Kavlekar. Goa Forward supremo Vijaibab Sardesai even went to the extent of saying that other parties have no say in deciding on what the Congress should take a call on the office of Leader of the Opposition. That's not all. Sources in the Goa Forward feel that the entire campaign against Babu is being launched by the saffron brigade with the Lok Ayukta demanding a probe into the beach cleaning scam. Questions are being raised in party circles whether the ACB is focusing on Babu in a bid to divert attention from the beach cleaning scam, which has come to haunt the saffron brigade. And, the Goa Forward is trying to find out whether there's a hand of the senior Congress leader behind the chorus of demand for Babu's resignation. Wait and watch.
Piedade back at the helm
The Congress appears hell bent on maintaining pressure on TCP Minister Vijaibab Sardesai in his home turf Fatorda. With outgoing Fatorda block chief Josephbab Silva withdrawing from active politics after his defeat in the 2017 election, the TCP minister's long-time rival Piedadebai Noronha is again back to head the Fatorda Congress block panel. Hailing from the significant ST Community, the Congress leadership must be certainly hoping that Piedadebai's ST background and her long standing enmity with the TCP Minister will keep the Congress in good stead in Fatorda. In the 2007 Assembly election, Piedadebai had contested in Fatorda and polled significant votes, enough to rock Vijaibab's boat, scuttling his debut in politics. Much water, however, have flown down the river Sal since 2007 with Vijaibab making to the Legislative Assembly twice in 2012 and 2017 election. What's up the sleeves of Piedadebai now to checkmate the flamboyant TCP Minister? Wait and watch.
Diggu left alone to fend for himself
It was a week when Diggu's supporters are believed to have given vent to their feelings against the Congress leadership for not standing by their leader for what they called as the government's vindictive politics against the six-time MLA. Sources said that at a meeting of Congress workers, one of his close aides stood up to raise a pointed question as to why the Congress leadership has not come to the rescue of the former CM with the government gunning after him in the mining and other cases. The supporter pointed out that the while the GPCC was quick to defend Babu Kavlekar in the disproportionate case, there was no talk from the party leadership when the SIT went to town saying that the arrested Imran was Diggu's proxy. Diggu is believed to have downplayed the supporters sentiments in his inimitable style, but not before saying that Dambab will never let him down. Praise the Lord.
No stopping Coincessao Piexoto
Who's Coincessao Piexoto, who's been re-elected as the Navelim block Congess Chief once again?
Well, the diminutive Congress leader from Navelim is a close lieutenant of none other than the Navelim MLA Luizinhbab Faleiro. Conceissaobab could not make it in the recently held panchayat polls for the Aquem-Baixo body, but that was no ground for his re-election as the Navelim block Committee. Conceissaobab must have perhaps been the longest serving Congress block chief having presided over the affairs of the block for over a decade and half, with strong support and backing of Luizinhbab. He had successfully weathered the storm when Churchillbab Alemao tried to stop his re-election during his stint as MLA of Navelim constituency. What's so special with Conceissaobab? Luizinhbab may have an answer.
