Vijai has his way
Chief Minister Manoharbhai and his PWD Minister Sudinbab Dhavlikar apparently believed that antagonizing TCP Minister Vijaibab Sardesai is neither in their interest nor in the interest of six month-old coalition government. That explains why the two VVIPs in the government rushed in to soothe Vijaibab's ruffled feathers - the most powerful person in the ruling dispensation. A fortnight ago, an aggressive Vijaibab took on the seasoned PWD minister right in front of Manoharbhai at the cabinet meet. Fifteen-days down the line, Vijaibab had his way as he literally got what he wanted on the sewerage front. Manoharbhai and Sudinbab not only agreed to lay the missing link at a whopping cost of Rs 50 crore - the main cause behind the Vijai-Sudin collision - but has diverted sewerage works to Fatorda from other areas. Vijaibab seemed to have had the last laugh, isn't it?
Mysterious ‘colleague'
Social activist Airesbab's complaint against Vijaibab has been a subject of debate over the last one week in Fatorda political and police circles ever since the Fatorda police station was inaugurated on Dussehra day. One question that has, however, remained unanswered is -- who actually is the "colleague" Vijaibab was referring to in the purported telephonic conversation with social activist Kashinath Shetye way back in 2013. That time Vijaibab was an Independent MLA and it still remains unknown whether he was making a request to the activist on behalf of any Congress MLA, given that he enjoyed good relations with Congress legislators those days. Airesbab's complaint to the police also makes no mention of the "colleague" for whom Vijaibab is seeking favour from the activist. Wait and watch as all these questions will come to the fore if the South Goa Sessions court directs the police to register a case against the MLA.
Churchill's alliance pitch
NCP Benaulim MLA Churchillbab Alemao still believes that neither the saffron brigade nor the Goa Forward would have been ruling the state if the Congress had tied-up with the Sharad Paward-led party in the 2017 Goa Assembly election. He squarely blames a section of Congress leaders, not Kumpar Luizinhbab Faleiro, for spurning the NCP's offer for an electoral tie-up. And, the Varca strongman is now of the strong opinion that the Congress may suffer a similar fate if the Party leadership does not align with the NCP in the forthcoming election for the Gujarat Legislative Assembly. He has told his close aides that only a Congress-NCP tie-up can stop the saffron brigade from retain power in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state. Will the Congress leadership listen to its former leader, who is now part of the NCP. Only time will tell.
Damu firm on protecting his turf
Former two-time BJP Fatorda MLA Damubab Naik seemed least bothered whether or not he is invited for official functions in his home constituency Fatorda. For, he seemed pretty aware of the coalition compulsions and has no plan to make matters worse for the BJP-led party government headed by Manoharbhai, surviving on the coalition partners, including Vjiaibab-led Goa Forward party. Damubab, however, has told his close aides that he would never compromise if he comes across any of the party cadre receiving raw deal from the powers that be. The former MLA says that no injustice on any of the party workers will be tolerated in Fatorda or elsewhere, sending a message loud and clear that he would lead from the front to protect the interest of party workers.
Hazard a guess what message is Damubab actually trying to convey to all and sundry in Fatorda and outside. Wait and watch.
Mickky shuts offices
Flamboyant Mickkybab Pacheco has finally shut down his offices at Nuvem and Loutolim villages, which he had opened with much fanfare during his stint at MLA. The reason is simple. It's not that the former Minister has drawn up plans to totally withdraw himself from Nuvem though news is doing the rounds in Betalbatim that he has set his eyes on Benaulim his former constituency.
Mickkybab says his office at Betalbatim is still open for people who need his help and support. Incidentally, Wilfredbab has opened his office close to his residence at Nuvem, manned by PA and staff. And, he has recently opened another office in Loutolim village to cater to the needs of the villagers, and expected to remain open thrice a week. How's that?
