Pramod-Vijai bonhomie under observers’ scanner
Political observers seem to be closely watching the movements of these two personalities, both of whom are leaders of the ruling combine in their own right, BJP leader and Speaker Pramodbab Sawant and TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai. The duo did not see eye to eye on many an issue, more so on ideology. But, call it a strange coincidence or otherwise, sources in the know say that Pramodbab and Vijaibab have reportedly shared the dais at least at three different places, first at a congregation at Ponda, then at a cricket final at Mandrem last Sunday and more recently at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. At the Ravindra Bhavan, the two leaders not only exchanged pleasantries, enjoyed a cup of tea, but were seen sharing a point or two when on the dais. Anything cooking?
Govind ‘embraces’ BJP
It was a week when Art and Culture Minister Govindbab Gaude thundered behind Vijaibab Sardesai’s backyard that he will support any candidate from the BJP for the CM’s post in the event of a vacancy. What made Govindbab to make the announcement when he was in Comba remains unknown, but political circles were abuzz with speculation whether Govindbab has moved away from Vijaibab and is a clear signal that he would be comfortable with the saffron brigade. What further raised eyebrows was that Govindbab was part of the G-6, comprising of the Goa Forward and three Independents. Is Govindbab no more in the G-6 group in the wake of growing bonhomie between Vijaibab and Sudinbab. Wait and watch.
Luizinho on ‘Mission Mizoram’
Congress veteran Luizinhbab Faleiro has rushed to Mizoram ahead of the counting of votes scheduled on December 11. What made the AICC general secretary to air dash to Mizoram isn’t clear, with sources in political circles that Luizinhbab may have received a brief from the High Command in the event the party falls short of a couple of seats to form the government. With the Modi-Amit Shah duo making the battle for Mizoram a prestige issue, the Congress is not leaving anything to chance, especially against the backdrop of what had happened back in Goa post-2017 election. Sources said Luizinhbab’s mission is aimed at opening a dialogue with smaller groups as a matter of abundant caution in the event the Congress falls short of a simple majority. Any questions.
Mahadev eyeing Cong ticket in Shiroda?
Will BJP leader and former Shiroda MLA get a Congress nomination to cross swords against Congressman-turned-saffronite, Subhash Shirodkar for the Shiroda by-election? This question has been doing the rounds in Congress circles in South Goa and the reason is simple. Mahadevbab may have maintained silence in recent days. Sources in the know, however, said that Mahadevbab was reportedly spotted at the residence of former Chief Minister and Congress veteran Luizinhbab Faleiro by Congress workers. It is an open secret that Mahadevbab shares close rapport with Luizinhbab. And, it’s still unclear whether the Congress leadership has left it for Luizinhbab to take a call on the party candidature for the Shiroda seat. Wait and watch.
GF trio leave for Kashmir pilgrimage
All the three Goa Forward Ministers led by party supremo and TCP Minister Vijaibab Sardesai and their spouses have headed to picturesque Kashmir on Friday for a weekend stay. There’s nothing official about the visit to the paradise on earth. Goa Forward leaders, however, insist that the Ministers are on a pilgrimage to Kashmir with the Vaishno Devi Temple visit on their mind. Incidentally, the visit to Kashmir coincides with the birthday of Ushabai, Vijaibab’s better half. Vijaibab’s trusted lieutenant Venkathbhai Raut, who normally accompanies the Goa Forward supremo abroad and Party leader Durgadasbab Kamat, are also part of the team. They are expected to return to Goa on December 11, the day when counting of votes of the Assembly elections will take place in the five states. How’s that?
