When Chief Minister Pramod Sawant returned to Salcete earlier this week to drum up support for BJP candidates in Davorlim and Navelim, he posed a pointed question to the minorities: What wrong has his government done to Muslims and Christians that they do not vote for the BJP? The Chief Minister elaborated on how his government, according to him, has not discriminated against any section of society while implementing welfare schemes such as Ladli Laxmi and Griha Aadhar, among others. Pramod Sawant was also frank in admitting that the BJP does not appreciate minorities voting en bloc against the party. Any takers?
RGP’s selective Salcete strategy raises eyebrows
When alliance talks between the Congress and the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) broke down, many believed the regional party would field candidates in all nine Zilla Panchayat seats in Salcete. However, the RGP eventually fielded candidates in only four constituencies — Velim, Colva, Nuvem, and Raia. This development raises eyebrows, especially considering the party’s impressive performance across Salcete in the 2022 Assembly elections. Is this limited contest due to a paucity of time, or are there other strategic considerations at play? Questions abound.
From unity to uncertainty: Parab-Sardesai rift widens
The war of words between Revolutionary Goans Party supremo Manoj Parab and Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai shows no signs of abating. This ongoing sparring has sparked speculation in political circles — did the duo anticipate that their newfound camaraderie, symbolically displayed during the Shree Krishna Vijay Utsav at the SGPDA ground where they held hands in unison, would unravel so quickly? The larger question, however, remains unanswered: how will these two regional parties chart their course as the 2027 Assembly elections — now barely a year away — approach? Wait and watch.
Churchill’s quiet strategy in Benaulim and Colva
Varca strongman Bab Churchill has once again reiterated his stand that he has stayed away from the upcoming Zilla Panchayat polls by not officially fielding any candidates in his home turf of Benaulim. Local political observers concede that Churchill has not formally sponsored candidates for the two ZP seats of Benaulim and Colva. At the same time, they acknowledge that he continues to command a sizeable vote base in both constituencies. Wait and watch as many of his ardent supporters are on the ground in support of the candidates in the fray.
Kamat downplays PM meet, but speculation continues
PWD Minister Digambar Kamat’s courtesy visit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by family members, has become a major talking point in political circles. Digambar Kamat may have downplayed the visit in his inimitable style, firmly ruling out any political intent or motive. Political observers, however, believe the visit carries its own significance, underlining Kamat’s rapport with the powers that be in the BJP’s top hierarchy, including the Prime Minister himself. Wait and watch.
