It was a week when Chief Minister Pramodbab Sawant sent a message loud and clear that he is in full command and control. Post-Govind Gaude’s axe from the Cabinet, many rushed to say the Chief Minister enjoys the prerogative to induct or axe a Cabinet Minister. Indeed, many might have anticipated a reply from the CM that he has taken the decision in consultation with party leadership when he was questioned over Gaude’s ouster. Pramodbab, however, preferred to assert himself, saying it was he who is behind the decision, insisting he is firmly in control of the situation. Any questions?
Gaude’s exit sparks fresh buzz around Kamat’s Cabinet entry
Post-Govind Gaude’s ouster, supporters of Cong-turned-BJP Margao MLA Diggu appeared upbeat, hoping the development will pave way for the long-awaited Cabinet reshuffle. Diggu was at the Lohia Maidan, attending the Goa Revolution Day programme when news trickled in over Gaude’s exit. When media reached out to the Margao MLA for his comments, he feigned ignorance over future developments unfolding in the State. His ardent supporters, however, appeared in high spirits, exuding confidence the day is not far away when their Baba would return to the Cabinet after 13 years. Wait and watch.
Vijai floats merger hint, Cong treads cautiously
What’s the reaction in the Congress camp to the unity tunes played by Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai on his 55th birthday celebrations, with the Fatorda MLA even going to the extent of not ruling out the possibility of the regional outfit’s merger with the Congress. Well, local Congress leaders are trying to figure out Vijaibab’s exact message from his birthday platform, seeking to know whether the Goa Forward chief will be content with an alliance a la 2022 or will be keen on party’s merger. Local Congress leaders even evaded replies saying issues raised by Vijaibab fall in the domain of the party High Command. Wait and watch.
Yuri’s absence at Vijai’s b’day raises eyebrows
Leader of Opposition Yuribab Alemao was one Opposition MLA who did not make it for the birthday celebrations of Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai? Sources close to the Opposition leader insists that Yuribab received no invite from the Goa Forward chief, claiming that he neither received a phone call or WhatsApp message inviting him for the celebrations. The Goa Forward camp, however, insists that an invitation was indeed sent to the office of the Opposition leader. Is a communication gap the reason behind Yuribab’s absence at the celebrations or is there something more than that meets the eye. Wait and watch.
B’day diplomacy? Signs of new equations in Cong–GF ties
Top Congress leadership might have been conspicuous by their absence at Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai’s birthday celebration during the weekend. But, many a local Congress leader, including partymen, who have been aligned to former GPCC chief Girishbab Chodankar were spotted at the venue. Sources said even a Congress national spokesman flew to Goa to partake in the birthday celebrations. That Girishbab Chodankar took to the social media to extend birthday wishes to Vijaibab Sardesai indicates the political re-alignment unfolding in the Congress camp. Any questions?
