When the Congress deputed a delegation comprising MP Viriatobab Fernandes and senior Congress leader M K Sheikh to meet Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai, the mission was to ascertain what exactly the alliance partner was looking for from the Congress – a merger or a continuation of the alliance. Two months down the line, Vijaibab appears to have adopted a similar stance, asking the Congress to spell out the role it expects him to play in an alliance with the principal Opposition party. So far, the two parties have yet to stitch together a deal. What the people of Goa have witnessed, however, is both parties merely passing the alliance ball into each other's court. Any questions?
Venzy's re-election pitch with a familiar formula
Benaulim MLA Venzybab Viegas appears to have finalised his campaign agenda for the upcoming Assembly elections as he gears up to seek re-election. For now, the first-time MLA seems to have settled on two clear planks. First, he plans to approach voters with his report card. Secondly, and more importantly, Venzybab seemed eager to tap the anti-Alemao vote in his favour, a strategy that worked to his advantage in the last elections. With former chief minister Churchillbab Alemao and nephew Warrenbab Alemao gearing up to contest from Benaulim, Venzybab is going around the countryside with a simple question – whether voters want the Alemaos to make a comeback in Benaulim. You know why.
A little less politics at this year's Vijay Utsav?
Guess what's in store at the Shree Krishna Vijay Utsav, sponsored by Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai, at the SGPDA grounds on the eve of Diwali? Well, once bitten, twice shy, as the old saying goes. While the Narkasur competition had provided Vijaibab with a convenient platform in the past to showcase Opposition unity, the event may not play host to political figures and personalities this time around. The reason is not difficult to fathom. After last year's gathering of Opposition leaders ended in an embarrassing “prank”, Vijaibab appears to be treading cautiously this time. Wait and watch.
Churchill's ticket remark opens another political can of worms
Why is Varca strongman Bab Churchill 200 per cent certain that the Congress party will hand out tickets after accepting money from candidates aspiring to contest the upcoming polls? His claim assumes significance against the backdrop of the Congress' decision to open its doors to newcomers. Churchillbab's statement has left political observers wondering what prompted the former chief minister to make such a controversial allegation. Could it be because the Congress has opened its doors to newcomers in Benaulim and Navelim, constituencies where he and his daughter, Valankabai, have reportedly set their sights, respectively? Many questions indeed remain unanswered.
Unsafe buildings remain the elephant in Margao's room
The transfer of Mormugao Municipal Chief Officer Siddvinayak Naik and his replacement by Margao Municipal Chief Officer Madhubab Narvekar make for interesting reading. Naik’s transfer is reportedly attributed to his bold decision to issue notices against unsafe buildings dotting the Port Town. However, his replacement by Madhubab Narvekar has triggered considerable debate. The reason is not difficult to fathom. Despite the presence of dozens of dilapidated and potentially unsafe buildings in Margao, the commercial capital, there has been no noticeable exercise to issue similar notices or initiate decisive action against them. One is left wondering why. More importantly, will the new Mormugao chief officer carry forward the work initiated by Siddvinayak Naik, or will the exercise lose momentum? And perhaps, you know the answer.
