As the men-in-blue swarm around Fatorda countryside drumming up support for party candidates, one question that has come to the fore is why did the Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai opted for blue jersey for his foot soldiers. Pose the question to the GF supremo and Vijai takes pride in saying the blue colour represents modernity. The saffron brigade, however, begs to differ. Arch rival Damu Naik tends to remind that the blue colour on the planning maps represents 300 FAR. Any questions?
Vijai bats for ‘old guard’ Raju
Not many must have expected Vijai Sardesai to field 62-year-old Raju Naik in Ward No. 11 when the Fatorda Forward’s youngest candidate is 26-year-old former MMC chairperson, Pooja Naik. Vijai has defended his decision, saying the three-time former councillor is energetic and still young at heart. There’s, however, another reason why Vijai has batted for Raju. Vijay apparently believes that Raju, who was defeated in the 2015 Municipal poll, still commands sizeable support in the ward. And, with the 2022 battle less than 10 months away, Vijai was anxious to rope Raju on his side. Any takers?
No fish! Candidates eye other options
Fish became an instant hit with the voters when some candidates distributed the staple food free in the ensuing Margao Municipal election. The stalemate in the wholesale fish market, however, has resulted in fish scarcity in the markets. The situation has affected candidates who believed that the best way to fetch votes was via fish. With the prized Kingfish and shrimps not coming from across the border, candidates may have to exercise other options to keep the voters in good humour.
From a politician to scribe?
For a moment, BJP Margao mandal chief Rupesh Mahatme donned the role of a journalist after city-based scribe Pratik Parab filed his nomination papers for the ensuing polls for the MMC. Mahatme’s query to Pratik was simple -- what made him to leave journalism and descend on the Margao Municipal election battlefield. Before Pratik could explain, a scribe attached to the electronic media replied saying that the journalist has thrown his hat in the election ring as the main stream politicos have failed to deliver. Any takers?
Arthur seeks the Lord’s blessings
Flamboyant former MMC chairperson Arthur D’Silva sought blessings of Lord Dambab at the Damodar Linga, Fatorda on Tuesday before heading to the office of the Returning Officer to file his nomination papers. Ward No. 7 is not new for Arthur given that he resides in the ward and having represented the ward in 2010. He, however, finds himself a little behind in the campaign having concentrated in Ward No. 5 before it was reserved for women. It’s still unclear whether he is the official BJP candidate in Ward No. 7. Wait and watch.
