Newly elected BJP national president Nitin Nabin’s whirlwind visit to Goa caught the attention of party workers and political opponents alike—but for an unexpected reason. Even before leaving the state, his blistering attack on the Congress over alleged rampant corruption became a major talking point in political circles and on social media. The reason for the buzz is telling. Nabin appears not to have realised that many individuals who were part of the previous Congress government are now part of the BJP-led ruling dispensation. Adding further intrigue to the episode is the unanswered question: who exactly briefed the BJP leader on the Congress’s alleged misdeeds?
Kejriwal makes his presence felt
in Goa during Nabin's visit
It appears to be a sheer coincidence that whenever a senior BJP leader visits Goa, Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvindji Kejriwal also makes his presence felt in the state to interact with party volunteers. In October last, Kejriwal was in Goa at the same time as senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visited to launch projects, including the Mhaje Ghar scheme. The trend continued over the weekend, with Kejriwal returning to Goa just as newly elected BJP national president Nitin Nabin arrived in the state, his first visit after his election. Indeed, a curious coincidence.
Yuri's offer of support to Utpal
triggers debate in Congress
Leader of Opposition Yuribab Alemao’s offer of support to Utpalbab Parrikar—the son of former BJP Chief Minister late Manoharbab Parrikar—for the upcoming City Corporation of Panjim elections has triggered a debate within the Congress and outside. The reasons are not hard to find. Privately, Congress leaders are questioning how the party stands to benefit from backing Utpalbab in Panjim. One leader even wondered whether the party had adequately considered the ideological implications, while another questioned whether Utpalbab will reciprocate his support to the Congress in the future. Many a question remains unanswered.
Will Cong contest MMC polls
independently or go for tie-up?
The City Corporation of Panjim, currently controlled by Revenue Minister Babush Monserrate, appears to have come under the scrutiny of Opposition Leader Yuribab Alemao ahead of the civic polls. Back home in Saxttidom, however, Yuribab faces a more contentious issue—what about the Margao Municipal Council? There, the BJP duo of state president Damu Naik and PWD Minister Digambarbab Kamat seem determined to retain control of the civic body going to the polls around April. Will the Congress contest the Margao Municipal Council elections independently, or opt for a tie-up with Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai? These are questions Yuribab will have to answer sooner rather than later. Any takers?
Girish's detractors hint he does
not have control over TN affairs
It was a week when opponents of Congress Working Committee member Girishbab Chodankar—both within and outside the party—were busy probing whether the Congress high command had deputed senior leader Mukul Wasnik to Tamil Nadu to carry forward seat-sharing talks with the DMK. Audio-visual news clips were widely circulated on social media groups by Girishbab’s detractors, suggesting that he no longer exercises control over Tamil Nadu affairs despite being the Congress desk in-charge. Clearly, the intent was to score a point or two against Girishbab’s leadership. You know why.
