Guess who is the chief architect of the anti-Conversion Bill that the Pramod Sawant Cabinet cleared for introduction in the just-concluded Goa Legislative Assembly session? Well, the controversial Bill never saw the light of day, but the mystery remains: Who was the chief architect of the anti-Conversion Bill? How did he get the nod for the Bill at the Cabinet meeting, and what finally stopped him from introducing it in the Assembly? And what was the intention behind the Bill? These are questions that could haunt the government for a long time to come. Any questions?
They cleared the Bill. Can they escape responsibility?
The essence of a Cabinet system of government is the principle of collective responsibility. With the controversial Anti-Conversion Bill down and out, at least for the moment, members of the Cabinet who approved the Bill will have to answer a simple question: can they escape collective responsibility after having given the Bill the Cabinet nod? The fact that the Bill received the approval of the Cabinet makes it clear that members present at the meeting are bound by the principle of collective responsibility. Or, were there any Cabinet members absent at the Cabinet meeting? Many questions remain unanswered.
Mauvin-Vijai slugfest: Did Cong have the last laugh?
Guess who must have had the last laugh after Industries Minister Mauvinbab Godinho and Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai went to war on the floor of the House during the just-concluded Assembly session? Well, sources say the Congress camp may have been quietly delighted after Mauvinbab not only raked up the infamous Section 16B of the TCP Act, but went a step further by terming Vijaibab the “father” of all subsequent changes to the TCP Act. At a time when relations between the Congress and Goa Forward have hit rock bottom, and with the Congress gearing up to make the Save Goa and land-protection agenda a major poll issue, the party leadership may well have enjoyed watching the Mauvin-Vijai slugfest. Any questions?
Vijai-Venzy chemistry: Is there more to it?
The just-concluded session of the Goa Legislative Assembly also witnessed an unusual bonding between members of the Opposition parties. Call it a strange coincidence or growing bonhomie, Goa Forward Party MLA Vijaibab Sardesai and Aam Aadmi Party’s Benaulim legislator Venzybab Viegas appeared to share a particularly good rapport inside the Assembly during the three-day session.
Their camaraderie has left political circles wondering whether the duo was working in tandem just to corner the government or whether the bonding was a part of a larger strategy. Wait and watch.
Damu’s birthday: All eyes on BJP chief’s Fatorda plans
What’s lining up for BJP State President Damubab Naik’s birthday on September 6? That’s the question doing the rounds in Saxtti political circles. After his Velankanni pilgrimage charter train initiative, which carried pilgrims from Fatorda and outside for the Madi and novenas of Our Lady of Velankanni, Damubab has certainly come under the spotlight, with supporters and party workers now asking: What’s next? The BJP State president has, for the first time, given clear indications that he is ready to take on his arch political rival, Vijaibab Sardesai, on the Fatorda battleground if the party directs him to do so. Wait and watch.
