Sankalpbab Amonkar’s induction into the Pramodbab Sawant Cabinet has become a talking point in political circles, but perhaps for reasons beyond the induction itself. Given that the current Assembly term is expected to end in just two months, his elevation may not carry much significance in terms of tenure. Political observers, however, are quick to wonder whether the move has anything to do with the defection of eight Congress MLAs, including Sankalpbab, on September 14, 2022. With Goa heading for Assembly elections in February and a new government expected to take charge by March next year, sources say the induction could well have political significance beyond the immediate political reshuffle. Could it be an attempt to honour a promise allegedly made to the defecting MLAs? The timing, certainly, invites that question. You know why!
Digambar's congratulatory gesture under the scanner
Moments after Sankalpbab Amonkar was inducted into the Pramodbab Sawant Cabinet over the weekend, PWD Minister Digambarbab Kamat was among the first to congratulate the Mormugao MLA. Sankalpbab may have only a brief stint in the Ministry, with elections scheduled within the next three months, but Diggu’s congratulatory message soon came under the political scanner, more so because the Mormugao MLA was among the eight Congress defectors led by the Margao MLA in September 2022. Political observers were quick to recall that Diggu had personally visited Raia to congratulate another Congress turncoat, Aleixobab Sequeira, following his induction into the government two years ago. Interesting, isn’t it?
Amonkar's elevation: A former mentor's message in flames
Has Goa Pradesh Congress Committee chief Girishbab Chodankar anything to say about the Cabinet induction of Sankalpbab Amonkar, his one-time trusted lieutenant in the Congress since their Youth Congress days, before the Mormugao MLA defected to the BJP in 2022? Well, the Congress president may not have commented on the political development yet. But, that Girishbab led Congress leaders and workers in setting ablaze the effigies of the eight Congress MLAs on the eve of the Cabinet induction and the Diwali festivities, sources say, may perhaps was the Congress chief’s reply to Sankalpbab’s elevation to Cabinet rank. Any questions?
Reginaldo's political journey: Four terms, no ministerial turn
Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco appears to have missed the Cabinet bus once again in a political career spanning two decades. While several first-time and second-term MLAs have made it to the Ministry in recent years, the four-time Curtorim MLA is yet to secure a Cabinet berth. When the Congress was in power in 2007, he had to settle for the chairmanship of a little known Corporation. Between 2012 and 2022, he remained out of contention for a Cabinet position as he was in the Opposition. Although he was quick to extend support to the BJP government following the 2022 Assembly elections, he once again had to settle for a Corporation, albeit the prized Goa IDC. Wait and watch as the four-time MLA gears up to contest from Curtorim in 2027, hoping to script a fifth innings in the Assembly.
Yuri's birthday bash: Party time or political outreach?
What’s in store for the birthday celebrations of Leader of Opposition Yuribab Alemao on November 16? Well, if sources are to be believed, Yuribab is planning a grand bash for his constituents on his home turf in Cuncolim. Last year too, the Opposition leader hosted a birthday celebration that virtually turned into a platform for opposition unity. This time around, with Assembly elections just three months away, the Cuncolim MLA is expected to use the occasion to kick-start an interactive outreach programme with voters across the State. Wait and watch!
