As the turmoil in the Congress refuses to abate following the appointment of Girishbab Chodankar as the GPCC chief, party leaders have reportedly gone into assessment mode, trying to gauge whether the resentment within the ranks could have any fallout on the party’s core voter base ” the minorities. One leader is believed to have remarked that the party cannot afford to lose even a small fraction of the minority voters at a time when large section of the majority community appears behind the BJP. Any questions?
Congress outreach to Viriato signals damage-control effort
The Congress leadership appears to have reached out to a sulking South Goa MP Viriatobab Fernandes amid the unfolding political developments within the party. A senior leader is believed to have spoken to the MP in an apparent attempt to soothe ruffled feathers in the anti-Girish camp. The outreach assumes significance against the backdrop of the MP’s repeated assertion that he was not consulted by the party leadership on the change of guard in the GPCC. What transpired between the two remains under wraps? Meanwhile, Viriatobab has reportedly taken a break and has headed to the hills of North India with his family on a vacation. Any questions?
Vijai’s presence at Shivakumar’s oath ceremony sparks speculation
Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai’s presence at the swearing-in ceremony of Congress leader D K Shivakumar as Karnataka Chief Minister has become a talking point in local political circles. The reason is not difficult to find. Hardly any Goa Congress leaders were seen at the high-profile event, making Vijaibab’s presence in Bengaluru all the more noteworthy. Political observers were quick to raise their eyebrows, especially since the Goa Forward chief was seated on the dais during the ceremony. For the moment, sources say Vijaibab attended the event at the invitation of the newly sworn-in Chief Minister. Wait and watch.
Venzy’s absence from key party programmes raises eyebrows
Aam Aadmi Party MLA Venzybab Viegas is more seen in his home turf Benaulim than at party functions and programmes. Even local party leaders admit in private that Venzy has hardly moved out of Benaulim in recent days and is concentrating more in Benaulim. Sources say he has not been seen with party supremo Arvindji Kejriwal during his recent visits to the State. It could not be ascertained whether the Merchant Navy Captain-turned-MLA is staying put in Benaulim to ward off any challenge to his fort from a host of challengers or whether there’s something more than that meets the eye. Any questions?
Churchill’s Congress wish leaves Yuri in a tight spot
What does Leader of Opposition Yuribab Alemao have to say about uncle Churchillbab Alemao’s recent statement that he would be more than willing to join the Congress if newly appointed GPCC chief Girishbab Chodankar extends an invitation? The question assumes significance given that Churchillbab had, only a month ago, threatened to contest from Cuncolim ” the constituency represented by Yuribab. Only time will tell whether Girishbab chooses to open the Congress doors for Churchillbab and, if he does, how the Leader of Opposition reacts to the development.
