Is everything well on the Congress leadership front after the party witnessed flurry of activity following reports about Girish Chodankar’s return to the GPCC saddle? Well, while South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes has stated that “all is well” within the Congress, political observers are closely watching whether the leadership issue has truly been resolved — or merely returned to status quo. Viriatbab’s reassuring comments may come as a relief to the faction that had made a concerted effort — by flight and road — to reach Bengaluru and appeal directly to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, firmly opposing Girishbab’s return to the helm in Goa.
Congress leadership crisis leaves ZP hopefuls anxious
As the Congress continued to grapple with its leadership crisis, the turmoil began to take a toll on several prospective candidates who had been shortlisted by the current leadership. Sources revealed that many of these potential candidates started reaching out to party leaders, concerned about their political future and the impact the ongoing leadership tussle could have on the upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections. As part of its preparations, the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has already identified potential candidates for select ZP seats. Wait and watch.
GFP secures Luis Quadros even as AAP plans Raia push with Kejriwal
Is there any political significance to Goa Forward Party’s move to induct former Raia Sarpanch Luis Quadros and supporters in the regional party, coming as it does on the eve of AAP supremo Arvindbai Kejriwal’s visit to Raia for a meeting with party South Goa volunteers on Saturday? Sources indicate that AAP had been actively courting Luisbab and his workers, viewing him as a strong potential candidate for the Raia Zilla Panchayat seat. In a political twist, however, Goa Forward Party chief Vijaibab Sardesai entered the picture and successfully persuaded Luisbab to align with his regional outfit instead. Taking the development in stride, an AAP leader remarked that the party has “something up its sleeve” for Raia when Kejriwal arrives in the village. Wait and watch.
Mopa taxi agitation sees rare Sardesai–Parab show of unity
The protests at Mopa Airport by local taxi operators took centre stage for another reason — the unexpected presence of leaders from regional parties, the Goa Forward Party and the Revolutionary Goans Party. Perhaps for the first time, Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai and RGP supremo Manojbab Parab came together to take up cudgels for the beleaguered taxi operators, backing their demands. Is there more to this than meets the eye? Nothing is clear yet, but tongues have certainly started wagging across Goa’s countryside. You know why.
Why breakfast? Chirag’s 40th b’day becomes talk of the town
It was a week when Congress Margao leader Chiragbab Naik celebrated his 40th birthday with a breakfast gathering at his Comba residence. Friends, well-wishers, family members, and local political figures dropped by to extend their greetings. As word of the celebration spread through the city, many were left asking, “Why a birthday celebration over breakfast?” While there’s no particular reason behind the timing, one thing is certain—Chirag’s father, Dattabab, a noted thinker and writer, also prefers to celebrate his birthday over breakfast. Any questions?
