Politicians of every hue escaped action from the BJP dispensation for their participation in the Chandor midnight agitation on the intervening night of November 1 and 2, 2020. Whether it was former Congress Opposition Leader Digambar Kamat, Aleixo Sequeira, or Sankalp Amonkar—all of whom have since joined the ruling BJP—or Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai and Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco, they all stood shoulder to shoulder with thousands of citizens in protest. Five years down the line, social activists continue to make the rounds of the courts in connection with cases filed by the Goa Police and Railway Police. One cannot help but wonder — have any of these political leaders ever taken up the matter with the government to seek withdrawal of the cases against the activists?
After Cabinet exit, Aleixo gets fresh role as Law Commission chief
When Nuvem heavyweight Aleixobab Sequeira resigned from the Pramod Sawant Cabinet two months ago apparently to make way for Margao MLA Digambarbab Kamat, there were indications that the Chief Minister would soon find another role for the seasoned politician. That became evident when Aleixobab returned the vehicle and staff after he quit the Cabinet, only to be redeployed at the CM’s intervention. Now, it’s official — Aleixobab is back in the fold, this time as Chairman of the Law Commission. Any questions?
3 years on, Reginaldo still heads GIDC; BJP questions exception
Three years on, and still counting, Independent Curtorim MLA Reginaldbab Lourenco seems firmly in the saddle at the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC). While Chief Minister Pramodbab Sawant went about distributing chairmanships of State-owned corporations among BJP MLAs and allies, the prized GIDC remained untouched. If sources are to be believed, some BJP legislators have been questioning why such a key position continues to be held by an Independent MLA. The CM, it seems, must have his own reasons. Any questions?
CM’s tag of Sociedade land as Comunidade raises questions
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is no stranger to Cuncolim. The historic 1583 Cuncolim Revolt has found its rightful place in history books and is commemorated every year at the Delhi War Memorial — much of it thanks to the CM’s initiative. Cuncolkars, however, have been left puzzled this week. How could the CM categorise land belonging to the Sociedade — the Gaunkars of Cuncolim — as Comunidade land for the purpose of the Mhaje Ghar scheme? Even revenue officials remain tight-lipped over the CM’s assertion that illegal houses on Sociedade land can be legalised using forms meant for Comunidade property.
Vendor protest at MMC puzzles many in Margao civic circles
What exactly was the morcha by the New Market vendors to the Margao Municipal Council earlier this week all about? That’s the question doing the rounds in the corridors of the civic building and outside. The buzz is that the leaders who spearheaded the protest are known to be close aides of Margao MLA and PWD Minister Digambar Kamat. So, what prompted this agitation — especially when MMC Chairperson Damodar “Damu” Shirodkar, also from the BJP, is considered a close lieutenant of the PWD Minister? Questions, indeed, remain unanswered.
