Pramodbab Sawant Cabinet’s move to table the anti-Conversion Bill in the ensuing Assembly election has thrown up a host of questions. As political observers were quick to dissect the real motive behind the Bill, questions were asked: how would the Christian MLAs within the BJP and outside grapple with the emerging situation? Whether the CM had taken the MLAs into the loop before the Bill got the Cabinet nod? Did the party factor in the impact the Bill will have on their electoral prospects? Or whether the saffron brigade has a B Plan in place if any of the minority MLAs stage a revolt ahead of the upcoming polls? Questions remain unanswered.
Patkar-Sardesai contact fuels fresh political speculation
The meeting of former Congress president Amitbab Patkar and former Congress treasurer Orvillebab Dourado with Goa Forward chief Vijaybab Sardesai did raise eyebrows in Saxtti political circles. Reason: Patkar’s decision to approach Vijaybab to raise the issue of minority educational institutions during the upcoming Assembly session, instead of taking it up through Congress MLAs, has left many political tongues wagging. What has particularly taken political observers by surprise is the subject that the Amit-Orville duo chose to discuss with Sardesai. With the 2027 Assembly elections approaching, the meeting assumes added significance, especially at a time when the Congress-Goa Forward alliance appears to have hit the rocks. Has the Congress anything to say about the meeting? Wait and watch.
Faleiro’s 75th birthday stirs curiosity over his next move
It was a quiet 75th birthday celebration for former chief minister Luizinhbab Faleiro at Luchel Caminho de Monte, Borda, but the gathering nevertheless generated political curiosity. Faleiro’s ardent followers, including serving and former MLAs, sarpanchas and party workers, descended on the Borda hillock to extend their birthday greetings. As supporters and well-wishers made their way home, a simple political question was doing the rounds: What are Luizinhbab Faleiro’s plans for the 2027 Assembly elections? Will the veteran politician throw his hat into the electoral ring once again? If so, under which party banner? Wait and watch.
Political awards add a new dimension to 2027 preps
Reginaldo’s opposition to Bill raises questions over BJP ties
Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco’s opposition to the proposed anti-conversion Bill has put the Curtorim Independent MLA in the spotlight. As the BJP ally has come out openly against the Bill, back home, political observers are now watching closely to assess what impact his stand could have on his political fortunes. His support for the BJP government and his tenure as Chairman of the Goa Industrial Development Corporation have kept him closely associated with the ruling dispensation over the past four years. Yet, on the politically sensitive issue of religious conversion, Lourenco has chosen to draw a line. Will his decision to openly oppose the government on the anti-conversion Bill strengthen his standing among Curtorim voters ahead of the 2027 Assembly election? Or will his long association with the BJP-led government weigh more heavily on the electorate? Only time will tell.
