It was a week when the Varca-based Alemao clan hogged the limelight, with the siblings making their presence felt in both sports and politics. Members of the Alemao family never tire of saying that politics and sports run in their blood. And, indeed, while Churchillbab Alemao’s ladli, Valankabai, stormed her way into the saddle at the Goa Football Association, her cousin, Warrenbab Alemao, finally joined the Congress after the party leadership opened its doors to him this week. Wait and watch, as both Warrenbab and Valankabai have firmly set their sights on Benaulim and Navelim respectively. Adding to the family’s political presence is their cousin, Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao, who is gearing up to seek re-election from Cuncolim. With three members of the Alemao family figuring prominently in Goa’s sports and political arenas, all eyes will be on their next moves. The coming months could prove interesting. Watch this space!
Damu takes aim at Congress, but the past comes calling
BJP State President Damubab Naik came under the social media scanner this week following his attack on the Congress for allegedly selling Goa in the past. Damubab was immediately confronted on the social media with questions about the Congress tenure he was referring to. After all, most of the Congress Chief Ministers who ruled Goa in recent political history are either now part of the BJP or have their kith and kin closely associated with the ruling dispensation. His attack on the Congress has, indeed, left several questions unanswered.
Congress’ Utpal gamble and the Ghar Vapasi question
Does the Congress leadership, including Leader of Opposition Yuribab Alemao, have anything to say about the reported discussions between the BJP leadership and Utpalbab Parrikar over the latter’s possible Ghar Vapasi? The question has gained significance for a simple reason. The Congress leadership had attempted to make common cause with Utpalbab during the Corporation of the City of Panaji elections, despite strong reservations expressed by party workers over the proposed tie-up. This has only raised further questions about why the Congress leadership rushed to support the Utpal-backed CCP panel, knowing fully well that the son of former Chief Minister, late Manoharbai Parrikar, was unlikely to ever join the Congress. Any questions?
Girish’s combative turn signals a new phase for Goa Congress
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Girishbab Chodankar was the talking point in Congress circles and beyond following his attempt to expose the BJP government. Perhaps, for the first time since taking over the reins of the organisation, Girishbab came before the media armed with facts and figures in a bid to corner the ruling dispensation. In the bargain, the GPCC came under the cynosure of all eyes, both within the party and outside, as its chief appeared to be adopting a more combative posture against the government in the run-up to the upcoming polls. You know why!
Will Vijai turn the 2 events into another show of Oppn unity?
The coming two weekends promise to keep Goa Forward chief Vijaibab in the spotlight on his home turf in Fatorda. He is set to launch the multi-crore People’s Path – a beautification project at Old Market this Saturday, followed by the annual Shree Krishna Ved, or Narkasura competition, at the SGPDA grounds next Saturday. The Narkasura competition has, in the past, served as a platform for Vijaibab to bring opposition leaders together and project a show of unity. With election season approaching, the question doing the rounds is whether he has another such political gathering up his sleeve this year. Watch this space!
