With the curtains coming down on Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai’s four-day carnival festivities, political observers are still trying to decipher the message behind his statement that he has offered “two proposals” to the Congress party. Vijaibab made the remark while sharing the carnival dais at the SGPDA ground with Goa desk in-charge Manikrao Thakare and Goa Pradesh Congress Committee chief Amitbab Patkar. What exactly these two proposals entail remains unclear within local Congress circles. Sources suggest the proposals may have been conveyed directly to the party’s central leadership in Delhi. For now, speculation continues.
Cong factions clash over South Goa DCC control
Congress factions appear to have locked horns once again – this time over control of the South Goa District Congress Committee (DCC). Before the Congress High Command decided to bifurcate the South Goa district unit into two, the committee was headed by Saviobab D’Silva, a known supporter of GPCC chief Amitbab Patkar. Many believed Saviobab would have a smooth run for the post. However, Cuncolim Block Congress Committee president Assisbab Noronha – a close ally of Leader of Opposition Yuribab Alemao – is now in the fray along with other challengers, setting the stage for yet another internal contest. Political observers are now in a wait-and-watch mode.
Ponda by-poll: Ticket row brews as Cong weighs fresh inductions
In a recent interview with a news channel, Congress Working Committee member Girishbab Chodankar emphasised the importance of rewarding party workers who stood by the party during difficult times. Yet in Goa, the Congress has often been accused of importing leaders during election season and rewarding them with tickets – sometimes at the expense of loyal party cadre. This perception resurfaced during the recent Zilla Panchayat polls and has triggered a row ahead of the Ponda bye-election. Sources suggest that a section of the party leadership is considering inducting several leaders – including sitting MLAs – ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Any questions?
Cong keeps Warren guessing as entry bid hangs in balance
What is the status of the application submitted by Varca-based Warren Alemao to join the Congress party? It has been nearly ten days since Warren applied to the South Goa District Congress Committee. Sources say that district Congress president Saviobab D’Silva has forwarded the application to Congress president Amitbab Patkar, but no decision on Warren’s indication is forthcoming till date. Sources further say that just a passing reference of Warren’s application was made at a Congress leadership meeting attended by Goa Desk in-charge Manikrao Thakare. However, the key question remains: will the Congress open its doors to Warren?
No CM word, no shutdown: Churchill on Dabolim buzz
Varca strongman Bab Churchill Alemao is not ready to believe claims that Dabolim airport will be shut down for civilian operations. Reason: According to him, Chief Minister Pramodbab Sawant – whom he describes as a “Bahujan Samaj” leader – has not made any official statement announcing the closure of civilian operations at Dabolim. In the absence of a formal declaration from the Chief Minister, Churchill says he is unwilling to accept such claims. He has even indicated that he is not prepared to take the word of South Goa MP Captain Viriatbab Fernandes on the issue. Any questions?
