POLITICAL OBSERVERS are trying to figure out if TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee’s poll managers are in poll-bound Goa, throwing up questions whether the Bengal-based political outfit has any plans to make forays in the state in the coming election. Sources said a couple of political leaders had an interaction with the visiting team. But, it’s unclear whether the TMC poll managers were in Goa in their individual capacity or had come down to finalize plans for Goa in 2022. The TMC had tested Goa’s political waters around a decade ago in 2012, but had come a cropper. Is the TMC eyeing Goa in 2022? Wait and watch.
Not clear if Chidambaram has any Delhi message
CONGRESS OBSERVER P Chidambaram’s visit to the state has come at a time when curtains are drawing on the Ganesh Chathurti festivities in the state. His weekend visit comes against the backdrop of the deadlines set by the Goa Forward party and the NCP to the principal opposition party to decide on poll alliances by Chathurti. It’s isn’t clear whether the senior Congress leader has come with any proposal or message from Delhi. And, it’s also not clear whether Chidambaram has any plans to meet leaders of like-minded parties seeking poll alliances during his current visit.
Girish vs Vijai at Fatorda this Assembly election?
HAS GPCC Chief Girishbab Chodankar set his eyes on his home constituency Fatorda to lock horns with arch rival Vijaibab Sardesai in 2022? This question has started the doing the rounds after a party leader from Fatorda, during his recent interaction with Congress election observer P Chidambaram reportedly batted for Girishbab for the Fatorda ticket. Questions have been raised whether a worker had suggested Girishbab’s name on his own accord or with the nod from the GPCC Chief. Party aspirants for the Fatorda seat also appears gearing up to stake claim for the ticket.
Filipe Neri keeping cards close to his chest
SAXTTI LONE Minister Filipe Neribab is keeping his cards close to his chest on plans for 2022. Like his Nuvem counterpart Wilfredbab D’Sa, the Fisheries Minister knows for sure he cannot afford to contest the Assembly polls in Velim under the BJP banner. Local political observers say the Velim MLA is bidding for time before he takes the decision on these two options – whether to contest as an independent or for a party banner. In 2002, he had exercised the first option after quitting the BJP and went on to defeat the Congress. Wait and watch as even Filipe Neribab is aware that much water has flown down the river Sal in the last 20 years.
BJP show of strength at Betul Chaturthi pooja
IT WAS a week when the saffron brigade and political bigwigs descended on Betul to take part in Dy CM Babu Kavlekar’s Lord Ganesh pooja. Chief Minister Pramodbab Sawant, ministers Vishwajit Rane, Deepak Pauskar, Filipe Neri Rodrigues, MLAs Babush Monserate, Alinabai Saldanha, besides other MLAs, and not to mention, BJP Chief Sadanand Tanavade and the all-powerful Satishbab Dhond were prominently seen around. Indeed a show of strength, isn’t it? It’s a sheer coincidence that Congress Observer P Chidambaram is expected to visit Quepem Congress block during the weekend.
Don’t talk leadership issue: Cong High Command
THE CONGRESS high command is believed to have sent a strong message to state party leaders to stop commenting on the leadership tangle. Even senior party leaders are believed to have been advised to ensure they do not touch the leadership issue in public. Having settled for the status quo, by retaining Girishbab Chodankar as the GPCC Chief, the high command, sources said, has made it clear that pro-leadership change leaders should stop commenting on the leadership issue. Instead, they have been told to pool their efforts for the battle ahead. Any takers?
