This could make for some interesting reading. It may well be a coincidence when Aam Aadmi Party Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas publicly weighed his options in the event the party leadership refuses to back an opposition alliance for the 2027 Assembly elections, party’s Goa desk in-charge Atishibai Marlena paid a visit to Varca strongman Churchill Alemao at his Varca residence. Sources say Atishibai, accompanied by another party leader, made what was described as a courtesy call on Churchill. What transpired during the meeting remains under wraps, though insiders do not rule out political discussions. Coincidence or calculated timing? Wait and watch.
Unity pitch or exit hint? Venzy’s statement triggers speculation
What exactly was AAP MLA Venzybab Viegas trying to signal when he thundered at Azad Maidan that he and AAP Velim MLA Cruz Silva would “take a call” if the party leadership does not agree to a united opposition front in Goa for 2027? His statement has triggered more than a few questions. Are the two MLAs prepared to part ways with AAP and chart an independent political course? What options lie before them? Is the Congress a possible destination if they decide to sever ties? Or are other avenues being explored quietly ahead of the 2027 polls? For now, it remains a matter of speculation. Wait and watch.
Kejriwal dodges alliance query during Goa visit
And how did AAP National convenor Arvind Kejriwal respond to Venzybab’s remarks on an opposition alliance? When the question was put to him during his recent visit to Benaulim, Kejriwal chose not to engage. He walked past the waiting scribes without offering a yes or no. However, during his speech after inaugurating an e-library, he delivered a pointed message to party volunteers — work hard and bring AAP to power in Goa in 2027. The silence spoke, but so did the subtext.
Post Azad Maidan, Vijai adopts cautious line on 39A row
Following the episode at Azad Maidan over the Opposition’s decision to march to the residence of Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai appears to have opted for a more cautious approach. When Opposition leaders planned to call on the Governor seeking intervention over the scrapping of Section 39A, sources say Sardesai is believed to have politely declined to join the delegation, citing preoccupation in his constituency. A strategic retreat or mere scheduling conflict? Wait and watch.
Reginaldo under fire for siding with govt during 39A row
It was also a turbulent week for Independent Curtorim MLA Reginaldbab Lourenco, who faced criticism for extending support to the BJP-led government. Tensions escalated when police stopped buses heading to Azad Maidan to participate in protests against Section 39A. Protesters vented their anger at Reginaldbab accusing him of backing what they termed an anti-people dispensation. The optics worsened when he was seen emerging from a meeting of ruling legislators in the State capital. You know why.
