What could be the reason behind Chief Minister Pramodbab Sawant’s inordinate delay in appointing the chairperson to head the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao? It’s now a year since the Ravindra Bhavan chairman’s post has been lying vacant post-2022 Assembly polls. It was initially believed the post has been reserved for BJP leader and two-time former Fatorda MLA Damubab Naik. Damubab, sources say, has declined to take over the reins of office for reasons best known to him. Observers wonder whether the CM is seeking time as he is scouting for the right candidate to head the Ravindra Bhavan or whether the post will be filled up post-Cabinet reshuffle after the induction of the Congress turncoats. Wait and watch.
Will CM take up multipurpose project at Borda on priority?
Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai may be certainly pleased with Chief Minister Pramodbab Sawant’s gesture of responding to his request to convene a meeting on Sonsodo. The Fatorda MLA, sources say, may be looking forward to the Chief Minister in taking up the multipurpose education infrastructure project at Borda to its logical conclusion. Initiated during his stint as a Minister, Vijaibab had been complaining that the project has been moving at a snail’s place. He has contended that if the CM has announced slew of projects in neighbouring Margao, the multipurpose project should be completed on priority. Will the CM oblige his bitter political critic? Wait and watch.
Captain emerging as contender for South Goa Cong LS ticket?
Capt Viriatbab Fernandes seemed slowly emerging as a contender for the South Goa Congress Lok Sabha ticket. The unassuming Captain has been maintaining low profile, but has been working in his own way in making his presence felt in South Goa. Close aides inform the Captain is ready to shoulder the responsibility if the party gives him the signal to contest the polls. His camp, however, has made it clear that they would all work for incumbent South Goa MP Francisbab Sardinha if the latter gets the party re-nomination in 2024.
All eyes on Goa Cong leaders for meet with Kharge on party affairs
With the Congress government in neighbouring Karnataka expanding the Cabinet during the weekend, Goa Congress leaders now expect GPCC chief Amitbab Patkar and Leader of Opposition Yuribab Alemao to head to Delhi for a meeting with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to discuss party affairs. The duo was scheduled to call on Kharge some time ago, but their visit was kept on hold in view of the Assembly elections in Karnataka. Wait and watch as sources, however, said the duo will leave for Delhi only after getting an appointment with the Congress chief.
Madgavkars still ponder over Digambar’s support to Damu
It’s seven months since Margao Municipal Chairperson Damu Shirodkar took over the reins of office in October last, but Madgavkars seemed to have not stopped asking one simple question “ how come Congress-turned-BJP Margao MLA Diggu went all out to make Damu the Margao civic chief, even going to the extent of getting the government pass an Ordinance to change voting by show of hands? Many say Damubab had publicly voiced his resentment against Diggu when Goa Forward-backed councillor Lyndonbab Pereira made it to the Chairperson’s post in 2021. Diggu, however, preferred to back Damu when the vacancy arose after Lyndon stepped down from office. Political observers wonder whether Diggu’s decision stemmed from the changing political equation in Margao after he embraced the saffron brigade, wherein he could no longer antagonise the Bhandari factor, aware that his decision to quit the Congress would not go down well with the minorities. Many a question indeed remains unanswered.
