Perhaps for the first time since former Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court Justice Ferdinobab Rebello descended on the battlefront to save Goa from large-scale conversions, Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister Vishwajitbab Rane has sent out clear signals that he intends to hold his ground, regardless of what is unfolding on the streets. His repeated assertion that decisions cannot be taken on the streets but must be based on legislation indicates that he is in no mood to budge anytime soon. His statement to the media that branding the judiciary as “blind” amounts to contempt of court—especially when made by a person with legal standing—further suggests that he is not prepared to take a step back, at least for the moment.
Justice Rebello plays history card as movement enters decisive phase
Retired Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, Justice Ferdinobab Rebello, on the other hand, appears determined to escalate the “Enough is Enough” movement to its logical conclusion. Hailing from the revolutionary village of Cuncolim, Ferdinobab reminded the gathering at the Margao meeting that he is a Cuncolkar who has “drunk the waters of the 12 bands”—a distinction every Cuncolkar holds close to heart. That was not all. After stalwart of the Opinion Poll movement, Udaybab Bhembre, recalled the significant role played by a Cuncolkar, late Shabudad Desai in the Opinion Poll, Ferdinobab pointed out that he too belongs to the same vangod as did the late Shabudad. Any questions?
Ajgaonkar’s warning on sopo stirs unease in BJP and Margao council
Will BJP Leader Babu Ajgaonkar’s writ run large in and around Margao’s Gandhi Market? Few dare to take him on when he hits the streets in support of his demands. His latest warning—to expose the beneficiaries of the sopo fee collections if the hike slapped on the Gandhi market wholesale fruit and vegetable vendors is not rolled back forthwith— has thrown up a host of questions in BJP circles and outside. For, the sopo contractor is appointed by the Margao Municipal Council, controlled by PWD Minister Digambarbab Kamat, State president Damubab Naik and headed by Damubab Shirodkar. Wait and watch.
Land conversion row exposes political double standards
Will any political party expose its own government for decisions taken while it was in power? Unlikely. When Town and Country Planning Minister Vishwajitbab Rane accused the former Congress government of large-scale land conversions during its tenure, Congress MLAs were quick to object—but for an entirely different reason. They were not interested in defending the party’s past governments. Instead, they were keen to take the battle to its logical conclusion, fully aware that many who headed those Congress governments, along with their kith and kin, are now part of the ruling BJP. Any questions?
After Assembly session, focus shifts to Oppn’s future strategy
What lies ahead for leaders of the Opposition parties post-Assembly session is a question doing the rounds in political circles, with exactly a year to go before the 2027 Assembly elections. Political observers say the seven-member Opposition in the Legislative Assembly gelled well as they took on the government. However, the question of “what next” may soon come back to haunt the Opposition parties. Will they come together to dislodge the BJP government in 2027, or will they choose to go solo in the upcoming elections? The answer may begin to emerge during the civic elections scheduled for April, which could indicate whether the Opposition plans to fight jointly or go it alone.
