Ex-GPCC chief Amit Patkar presents a flower bouquet to Rahul Gandhi as Congress Goa Desk in-charge, Manikrao Thakare looks on.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has returned to Delhi, but one aspect of his Goa visit continues to trigger debate within Congress circles and beyond: Ex-GPCC chief Amitbab Patkar’s presence on the dais at the concluding programme of the Goy Rakhonn Yatra. Patkar not only shared the dais with Rahul Gandhi and presented him with a bouquet of flowers, but was also spotted at Dabolim airport to welcome the Congress leader to Goa. His sudden visibility has raised a pertinent question: How did Patkar make his presence felt at the concluding programme when he was conspicuous by his absence throughout the yatra? Sources suggest Congress Goa Desk in-charge, Manikrao Thakare was instrumental in sending the invite to Patkar. Was this merely a protocol invitation, or is there more to Patkar’s reappearance in the Congress spotlight? Watch this space for further details.
All eyes on dormant UGDP as revival plans gather pace
Will the United Goans Democratic Party reopen its shutters in the run-up to the 2027 Assembly elections? That is the question facing the regional party’s top leaders, Anacletobab Viegas and Radharaobab Gracias. For, the shutters of the regional party have remained down for years, a factor that has contributed to the Election Commission’s decision to deregister it. While party members are said to have knocked on the ECI’s doors seeking a review of the deregistration decision, the Anacleto-Radharao duo may have to answer a simple question: What can the regional party hope to achieve in the next four months when it has remained in deep slumber for the last six to seven years, failing to contest either Assembly or Lok Sabha elections? Indeed, it is time for some serious introspection.
Mickky’s poll promise, post-election puzzle
It was a week in which flamboyant former Minister Mickkybab Pacheco went to great lengths to explain how he would not split the secular vote in the coming polls, assuming he throws his hat into the 2027 election ring. Mickkybab argued that the BJP has no presence in Nuvem or neighbouring Benaulim, asking how the saffron party could benefit when it has no vote share to speak of. So far, so good. Mickkybab, however, may have to answer a simple question: whom would he support in the event of a government formation if he were to win Nuvem or Benaulim against the Congress? Would he still back the Congress in forming the government, or would he extend support to the BJP, as he did in 2002 and 2012? Any questions?
Curtorim attack raises questions over Reginaldo’s Congress entry
Guess what message Leader of Opposition Yuribab Alemao had for the voters of Curtorim during the Goy Rakhonn Yatra? Well, when the yatra rolled into Curtorim, Yuribab surprised one and all by launching a blistering attack on Independent MLA Reginaldbab Lourenco. His tirade against the Curtorim MLA comes against the backdrop of reports that a senior Congress leader had reportedly sounded out social activists to find out whether they would object to the party welcoming the Independent MLA into its fold ahead of the 2027 elections. Any questions?
Girish’s salvo at Digambar fuels poll speculation
Flanked by Congress Margao leaders Savio Coutinho and Chirag Naik, Congress President Girish Chodankar literally took on PWD Minister Digambar Kamat head on.
When Congress president Girishbab Chodankar addressed the media after Rahul Gandhi’s rally, flanked by Margao ticket aspirants Saviobab Coutinho and Chiragbab Naik, he took Congress turncoat and PWD Minister Digambarbab Kamat head-on. Those unfamiliar with Margao politics may even assume that Girishbab is gearing up to take on Digambarbab in Margao in 2027. For, the Congress chief went hammer and tongs at Diggu, recalling his past defection and accusing him of being behind the administration’s attempt to sabotage Rahul Gandhi’s Margao rally. Any questions?
