Did GPCC chief Girishbab Chodankar felt let down when Rahul Gandhi held the hand of bete noire Vijaibab Sardesai, to signify the Congress-Goa Forward tie-up for 2022 polls? Sources say Girishbab owes his position to none other Rahul Gandhi. And, when a concerted move was made to get rid of the GPCC chief before the alliance could take shape, sources said Rahul Gandhi stood by his foot soldier to favour the status quo. It’s another matter that Rahul has blessed the Congress-Goa Forward alliance bowing to the wishes of top party leaders, including Diggu. Any takers?
Alliance stitched in Delhi
Hazard a guess how come the Congress-Goa Forward tie-up was announced by none other than Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the national capital? Well, sources said the Congress and Goa Forward leaders did not come together by chance, but after hectic discussion and deliberations over the months. While Congress leaders, including Diggu and Dinesh Gundu Rao were all in favour of stitching an alliance with the Goa Forward, Sardesai has been insisting the alliance should be unveiled by none other than Rahul Gandhi. Reason. Instead of stitching an alliance, Vijaibab was apprehensive that the Congress may ditch him at the eleventh hour like in 2012 and 2017. Any questions?
All eyes on the Kumpars
Have the Kumpars Luizinhbab Faleiro and Churchillbab Alemao drawn up any plan for Margao, Diggu’s fiefdom, in the ensuing polls? Well, while Diggu is bracing up to lead the Congress campaign, with the hope of returning to the CM’s chair in 2022, Saxtti countryside is abuzz with questions whether the Luizinho-Churchill duo has any plans up their sleeves to stop their common political enemy from returning back to power. The saffron brigade is yet to unveil its plan of action to storm Diggu’s fort, only throwing up questions whether there’s a lull before the storm.
GF now bereft of Bhandari leaders
At one time, Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai took pride over his hold on the Bhandari Samaj community after he got Jayesh and Vinoda elected as MLAs on the party banner. His joy knew no bounds when Kiranbab Khandolkar embraced the Goa Forward to emerge as the party’s Bhandari face. Vijaibab may now suddenly realise that the party is now bereft of Bhandari leaders, first after Kiranbab quitting the party to embrace the TMC, followed by MLA Jayeshbab’s exit. Wait and watch whether Vijaibab has any plans to rope in Bhandari leaders into the regional party to fill up the void.
A week when Elvis was ‘snubbed’ in Cuncolim
It was a week when bureaucrat-turned-politician blew hot and cold over the manner in which his candidature for the Cuncolim seat was not considered by the Yuri Alemao-controlled block committee. Many in Cuncolim had expected the block committee to recommend Elvisbab’s name for the ticket along with Yuri. That the bureaucrat-turned-politician took to the media to give vent to this sentiments is an indication he is unhappy over the turn of events. The moot question, however, remains unanswered -- will Elvisbab call spade a spade in true Cuncolkar style. Only time will tell.
