Fear is the key. And the best place to see is at thepalatial RaviKiran at Ponda. The home of Ravi Naik and the hub of Bhandaripolitics is deserted ever since Ravi lost his elections early this year. The Congressveteran of 46 years gets highly agitated everytime son Roy is mentioned. “Asweet, simple boy” who has been maligned by politician and media, says Naik.But where is Roy? He calls him but the call won’t go through. Elder son Riteshtoo tries his number with no luck. Were the numbers were dialed at all or Royis zealously being guarded? One thing is however obvious. Ravibab’s better halfstands discreetly behind the door listening to every word that a stranger whodrops, in utters. PP wonders if the Naik household is wary of or are theyexpecting the CBI to drop in?
D-Ed giveaway
Ravi and Ritesh are very angry with BJP government. “Weworked hard to get in the DEd course in Goa and now they have de-recognised it”says Ritesh. With joblessness outdoing the courses, didn’t the goverment do theright thing cancelling the course? “Arrey, if they don’t get jobs so what? Thegirls who take these courses can teach their children properly when they getmarried, no?” says Senior Naik. PP wonders if Education Minister ManoharParrikar thought of such innovative alternatives to educational degrees and diplomas?
Tata to Nana?
Vasco’s political Godfather, Narayan aka Nana Bandekar ishurt, and lonely. Both of his ‘boys’ Power Minister Milind Naik and KTCChairman Carlos Almeida have deserted him. In fact, Nana’s former blue eyed boyCarlos has not been taking his calls, says a little birdie. Is this to do withwhat Nana saw as a prized catch, Councillor Fiola Rego. Nana wants Fiola to bethe next Chairperson of Mormugao Municipal Council but none of the duo arelistening. In fact, this request is not being entertained too. Nana feelslonely. But he is also hurt because another blue eyed boy MPDA Chairman DajiSalkar too has been avoiding direct contact with Nana for the same reason. PPwonders whether all the boys have grown up to be independent men or is it to dowith rumours of Fiola and her Portuguese nationality that keeps Nana’s boysaway?
Rise of the Congress model
There is a new model in town. She has got brains, guts andnow, even the looks. Political Patrao stumbled upon Valanka Alemao struttingthe ramp on the net. Now we know that she might have lost her electoral battleto Caitu but Daddy’s Girl-turned smart lawyer-turned Congress spokesmanresurfaces in a new Avatar. While her legal battle with Caitu may stretch on,evidence proves she might have the last laugh. But a Goan politician on theramp is definitely a first. More so for the fact that the only ramp that a GoanCongressman might have coveted is the one that leads into High Command’s officecum home. PP wonders if Madams Valanka, Pratima Coutinho and JenniferMonserrate all start wowing the crowd, will ruling BJP too launch its’ ownmodel hunt?
