After HC verdict, Cong wary of poaching bid

THE GOAN NETWORK | FEBRUARY 26, 2022, 12:23 AM IST

Congress leaders may go into an introspection mode over the High Court judgement, but for a different reason. With the verdict coming ahead of the counting of votes on March 10 and the spectre of a hung Assembly looming large, Congress leadership may be a worried lot, more so if the party does not get the simple majority. The party has already levelled serious allegations of poaching bid in certain quarters, even before the votes are taken up for counting. Will the vow before the Almighty prevent a repeat of the last Assembly? Wait and watch.

Churchill for VVPAT slip counting raises eyebrows

Varca strongman Bab Churchill’s call for counting of VVPAT slips on March 10 has raised eyebrows in coastal Saxtti. Even his close aides are trying to figure out how come the TMC leader has suddenly raised the demand for VVPAT slip counting when just a couple a days ago he was brimming with confidence of retaining Benaulim. Churchillbab has expressed fears over reports that the EVMs can be hacked and manipulated. His opponents, however, recall how Churchillbab had blamed the EVMs for the defeat of the Alemao clan in 2012. Any questions?

Lobbying in Congress camp for CM’s post?

Who’s this senior Congress leader, who called up a couple of party candidates, just to find out whether any of the CM’s contenders had approached them for support? In fact, even before the EVMs could be taken up for counting, sources say lobbying has started in the Congress camp for the CM’s post. And, with the spectre of a hung Assembly looming large and smaller parties and Independents expected to play a big role in government formation, certain Congress leaders, sources said, are also in touch with all and sundry. You know why.

BJP optimistic of Lotus blooming in Navelim

Who is to be blamed if the Lotus blooms in Navelim in the event of a split in the non-BJP vote? The Congress, AAP, TMC and NCP had all fought a bitter battle for supremacy over Navelim in the just-concluded Assembly election. The saffron brigade now does not rule out the possibility of the BJP opening its account in Navelim. Reason: Ruling party says BJP candidate Ulhasbab Tuemkar may have an outside chance assuming the non-BJP vote heads for a multiple split. Any takers?

Will Mickky make a comeback?

One will have to wait till March 10 to find out whether flamboyant Mickky Pacheco makes a political comeback from home constituency Nuvem. The former Minister, however, has not stopped telling all and sundry that Mickky will play a role in the formation of the new government. He even talks of keeping out certain politicians in the new government. And, in his inimitable style asserts that only the government he supports will assume office after March 10. Interesting isn’t it?


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