From ‘suffocation’ in the BJP to ‘humiliation’ in the Congress, Congress-turned-BJP Margao MLA Digambar ‘Diggu’ Kamat seems to have come full circle over the last 17 years. Back in 2005, the seven-time Margao MLA had dramatically quit the BJP, citing suffocation within the saffron fold. Now, after a 17-year stint with the Congress, Diggu has returned to the BJP, this time accusing the Congress leadership of humiliating him. The Congress leadership was quick to hit back. Senior leaders reminded the Margao MLA that he had bypassed several party stalwarts to occupy the Chief Minister’s chair in 2007 — just two years after joining the Congress. Any questions?
From Modi to Sawant: Order of Kamat’s praise raises eyebrows
Since his induction into the Pramodbab Sawant Cabinet, Diggu has spared no opportunity to lavish praise on his new political home. What has left political observers intrigued, however, is the pattern in his praise. Without fail, Diggu begins by lauding Prime Minister Narendrabai Modi, BJP national president J P Nadda, Home Minister Amitbai Shah, and party organising secretary B L Santosh. Only then does he move on to acknowledge local leaders like Chief Minister Pramodbab Sawant and State BJP chief Damubab Naik. Quite interesting, isn’t it, especially considering that cabinet reshuffles are the exclusive prerogative of a Chief Minister. Any questions?
Another possible reason why Aleixo was replaced by Kamat
One key reason behind State BJP chief Damubab Naik’s push to induct Diggu into the Sawant Cabinet may lie in the neighbouring constituency — Fatorda. The BJP is gearing up for a high-stakes battle to reclaim Fatorda from Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai. Diggu’s presence in the Cabinet could provide a strategic advantage. But that may not be the only reason. Sources say the outgoing Minister Aleixobab Sequeira shared close rapport with the Goa Forward chief — Damubab’s known bête noire. Any questions?
Radharao sparks debate with call for activist-backed candidates
Political commentator Radharaobab Gracias raised quite a few eyebrows this week after calling for a convention of social activists in Margao his bold proposal. That social activists should consult the public, decide on candidates, and then approach the Congress or Aam Aadmi Party to field them under their party banners. The idea has sparked debate in political circles. Will mainstream parties agree to this model? That remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Radharaobab faced some uncomfortable questions on social media: Did the UGDP, during his tenure as party ideologue, ever consult social activists before finalising its own candidates? Any questions?
Congress questions activists’ strategy to field candidates
As social activists gathered in Margao to chalk out a roadmap for the 2027 Assembly polls, the Congress party was watching the developments closely. A senior Congress leader acknowledged the activists’ determination to take on the BJP in the upcoming election. However, he had a few pertinent questions: How do the activists plan to identify and finalise candidates across all 40 constituencies? And in which constituencies do they expect the Congress to field candidates chosen by them? Any questions?
