MGP heading for a split?
Reports that MGP MLAs Babu and Pauskar may split from the regional party anytime makes reading interesting. And, it becomes all the more interesting when the architect of Plan B, Vijaibab Sardesai is no more keen to execute the plan with Manoharbhai Parrikar no more in office. It’s an open secret that both Babu and Pauskar share close rapport with the Goa Forward supremo. And, Vijaibab was talking of Plan B all along when Manoharbhai Parrikar was heading the coalition government, given his close proximity to the Babu-Pauskar duo. It is indeed surprising that when Vijaibab is no more interested in Plan B, both Babu and Pauskar appear keen to split and move out of the MGP. Sounds perplexing, isn’t it?
Sultan of Taleigao is back
The Sultan of Taleigao is back in the news post-Parrikar scenario. He went to the public with an announcement that he would throw his hat in the bypoll for the Panaji constituency left vacant by Manoharbhai Parrikar. But, the bigger question still remains unanswered. Did Babush Monserrate keep his Goa Forward chief in the loop before declaring his candidature and whether Vijaibab Sardesai has given him the green signal to contest the bypoll? Reports emanating from the Davondem bandh, Vijaibab’s Fatorda residence say that the Goa Forward chief may not stop Babush from contesting the bypoll. Wait and watch.
Deepak’s Aquem visit fuels speculations
The presence of MGP strongman Deepakbab Dhavalikar in the Aquem area of Margao on Friday raised many an eyebrow in political circles. His presence at the residence of an industrialist only fueled speculations as it comes against the backdrop of the emerging political developments in the regional party post-Parrikar era. Deepakbab confirmed about his presence in Margao, but denied that it had anything to do with politics. The MGP chief pointed out that he was in the commercial capital to offer condolences and later visited the residence of his industrialist friend for a cup of tea. Deepakbab declined to comment on the political developments, other than saying “wait till April 10” for the developments to unfold.
Churchill plays the ‘trump’ card
When Varca strongman extended his support to the Congress post-Parrikar scenario, his opponents were quick to attribute motives behind his decision. They said that Churchillbab voted with the Congress with laadli daughter Valankabai in mind. The father-daughter duo have not lost hopes of getting the prized Congress ticket for the South Goa seat, notwithstanding that a section of Congress leadership tried to sabotage her chances by raising her membership. But, with the Congress taking time to declare its candidate, Churchillbab knows for sure that he cannot afford to antagonise the Congress leadership at the crucial juncture. Wait and watch how Churchillbab would react in the event Valankabai’s candidature finds no favour with the Congress.
Digambar unhappy with Sardinha?
Why is Diggu angry with former three-time MP Francisbab Sardinha? Diggu has told his close aides that how he had slogged on the ground in the 2007 Lok Sabha bypoll and later in the 2009 Lok Sabha poll to ensure Sardinhbab’s victory. Diggu was the State’s Chief Minister between 2007-12 and claims he had put his heart and soul into the poll campaign to keep the BJP at bay. The former Chief Minister, sources said, is angry that Sardinhbab did not stand by him when the party leadership appointed Pratapsingh Rane as the Leader of the Opposition after the 2012 Assembly election. How the Congress will persuade Diggu if Sardinhbab turns out to be the party candidate for South Goa, is a million dollar question.
