What could be the real reasons behind Chief Minister Pramodbab Sawant’s decision to kick-start his campaign in minority Saxttidom for the December 20 Zilla Panchayat elections from the Guirdolim ZP seat? Is it because Guirdolim falls in Leader of Opposition Yuribab Alemao’s Cuncolim constituency, with the neighbouring Quepem represented by Congress MLA Altonbab D’Sa? Or is it simply the CM’s way of sending a loud, unmistakable message that Guirdolim is the BJP’s turf—despite sitting BJP Guirdolim ZP member Sanjanabai’s decision to part ways with the party? That the CM not only vowed to retain Guirdolim but also promised to ensure the defeat of the Yuri–Altone duo in 2027 has certainly become the latest talking point in political circles. Any questions?
Alliance snub, internal rifts put Cong on back foot for ZP polls
After the candidate selection process left the Congress’ legislative wing and organisational ranks virtually divided, questions are now being raised within party circles about how it will approach the campaign for the December 20 Zilla Panchayat polls. The alliance proposed by three Congress MLAs with the Revolutionary Goans Party also failed to find favour with the party leadership. Against this backdrop, concerns are growing within Congress about whether the leadership will be able to campaign as a cohesive unit—especially when the ruling BJP and the challenger Aam Aadmi Party appear far more unified and prepared for the election campaign.
ZP candidate faces voter resistance over alleged heavyweight backing
Gone are the days when political heavyweights could effortlessly marshal votes for a candidate of their choice. A Zilla Panchayat candidate from Saxttidom has learned this bitter truth during her current campaign. Amid rumours that a heavyweight was secretly backing her, a couple of voters approached her with a blunt message: they would not support her if she was his candidate. The candidate now finds herself in a tight spot—unable to spurn help from the heavyweight, yet equally unable to risk losing the goodwill of her voters. Any takers?
Congress PEC list raises eyebrows as Sardinha stays, Viriato missing
The presence of ex–South Goa MP Franciscbab Sardinha and the conspicuous absence of sitting MP Viriatbab Fernandes from the Congress Pradesh Election Committee (PEC) have raised eyebrows both within and outside Congress circles. Many are asking how a sitting MP could be left out while his predecessor continues to play a role in candidate selection. Is the explanation simply that the PEC constituted ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls hasn’t been reconstituted for over a year? Any questions?
Once rivals, now allies: D’Sa family backs AAP candidate in Nuvem
There are no permanent friends or enemies in politics—an adage Saxttikars know too well. Nuvemkars still remember the July 11, 2021 clash between supporters of former Nuvem MLA Wilfredbab “Babashan” D’Sa and Aam Aadmi Party workers, when AAP leaders had gone to his residence with a cake to mark the second anniversary of his defection. Four years later, the political script seems to have flipped. A photograph outside the Returning Officer’s office shows Babashan’s wife and Nuvem Sarpanch, Fredabai D’Sa, alongside AAP Nuvem ZP candidate Luis Barretto and AAP leaders. Both Babashan and Fredabai have not joined AAP, but have extended full support to Luis Barretto contesting in Nuvem on the AAP banner. Any questions?
