The 22-day honeymoon between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Goa Forward Party (GFP) appears to have finally come to an end. Banners of the Goa First alliance, stitched together by the two parties, have been taken down. The Goa First alliance is set to be carried forward by Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP in the run-up to the upcoming Assembly elections. This became evident when AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal declared that Goa First remains open to parties opposed to what he described as the BJP-Congress joint venture. For now, Vijaybab’s Goa Forward Party appears to have exited the Goa First alliance. The big question now is: which parties will join the Goa First alliance in the days ahead? Wait and watch.
In Vijai’s backyard, Cong fires no salvos but sends a signal
Guess the message Congress conveyed when the Goy Rakhonn Yatra rolled into Fatorda, the home turf of Goa Forward Party chief Vijaibab Sardesai. Well, many had expected the Congress platform to be used to fire a few salvos at Vijaibab, especially after he tied up with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). However, party leaders, led by Goa desk in-charge Manikrao Thakare and GPCC chief Girishbab Chodankar, ensured that there was not a single reference to Vijaibab during the yatra. On the contrary, Manikrao and working president M K Sheikh even went to the extent of declaring that Congress’ doors and windows were open to like-minded parties. So, who was the message meant for? No prizes for guessing!
GFP downplays Fatorda yatra, but was Durgadas watching?
Goa Forward Party leaders may have downplayed Congress’ Goy Rakhonn Yatra when it rolled into party chief Vijaibab’s fiefdom of Fatorda. Sources, however, say party general secretary Durgadasbab Kamat was keeping a close watch on the developments unfolding at the yatra. He was reportedly keen to find out whether any prominent Fatorda figures had joined the march and, more importantly, who said what at the meeting held at the SGPDA grounds. It appears all’s well that ends well, with top Congress leaders extending an invitation to all like-minded parties to unite and defeat the BJP. Any questions?
Girish takes back seat, Yuri-Altone duo leads yatra through Salcete
This may sound interesting. Call it sheer coincidence or otherwise, Goa Congress chief Girishbab Chodankar appeared to have taken a back seat since the Goy Rakhonn Yatra entered minority-dominated Salcete. While leaders such as Opposition Leader Yuribab Alemao and working president Altonbab D’Costa were at the forefront, Girishbab was seen walking behind them at both Benaulim and Nuvem. This has prompted political observers to wonder whether the Congress leadership has decided to let the Yuri-Altone duo lead from the front, more so in Salcete. Any questions?
Warren-Lyndon turn heads at yatra, but will Cong open doors for them?
Whether the Congress party acknowledges it or not, its Goy Rakhonn Yatra received a significant boost in Benaulim and Nuvem, thanks to the mobilisation efforts of Warrenbab Alemao and Lyndonbab Monteiro, respectively. There is no denying that both the Benaulim and Nuvem block committees put up an impressive show. However, the additional crowds mobilised by the Warren-Lyndon duo in their respective constituencies continue to be a talking point in local political circles, even days after the yatra passed through the areas. Will the Congress finally open the party doors for the duo? Wait and watch.
