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SUNDAY, 28 JUNE 2026

One-upmanship battle between Congress and its non-BJP rival

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At a time when political attention was focused on the Goa Forward Party and the direction it may take from July 1, the Congress has played a time-tested card by extending an open invitation to former Congressmen to return to the party fold to take on the BJP. The invitation is open to all former Congress workers and leaders who had left the party in the past, except those who defected. Political observers see the move as part of the ongoing battle for one-upmanship between the Congress and its immediate non-BJP rival. You know why.



Cong acts pre-emptively, invites

former workers back into fold


The Congress Political Affairs Committee's appeal to former Congressmen to return to the party fold assumes significance for another reason. Sources say the call comes amid growing speculation that a new political outfit could soon emerge on Goa's political landscape. If the speculation has any basis, the Congress may have acted pre-emptively by inviting former workers and leaders back into the organisation before any new political formation takes shape. Wait and watch.



Cong members not ruling out 

Pratima’s induction into party


This may make reading interesting. When former Navelim ZP member Ciprubab Cardozo joined the Congress over a year ago reportedly at the behest of Leader of Opposition Yuribab Alemao, many wondered about the political future of activist Pratimabai Coutinho and other aspiring candidates. Similar question came to the fore after Churchillbab Alemao and his daughter Valankabai met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, with many asking what that would mean for Cipru's prospects. Now, with Congress sources not ruling out activist Pratimabai’s induction into the party, the focus has shifted to whether she can successfully navigate the Churchill and Yuri political factor. Wait and watch.


Urfan showers equal praise 

on both Sawant and Damu


Journalists covering a media briefing by BJP leader and Goa Haj Committee Chairman Urfanbai Mulla have noticed an interesting pattern. Whenever Urfanbai praises Chief Minister Pramodbab Sawant, he unfailingly ensures that BJP State president Damubab Naik also receives equal praise. At every media interaction, both Chief Minister Pramodbab and BJP chief Damubab find a place in his compliments. Interesting, isn't it? In fact, Urfanbai had even predicted in the past that Damubab would play a major role in Goa politics after the 2027 Assembly elections.



Swabhiman Cuncolkars to put up

Elvis as its choice for 2027 polls 


Former top bureaucrat and Congress leader Elvisbab Gomes is finally preparing to enter the electoral arena for the 2027 Assembly elections. After coming together under the banner of Swabhiman Cuncolkars, a group of leaders from Cuncolim is expected to formally announce Elvisbab as its choice for the 2027 Assembly polls. Sources say the group will urge the Congress leadership to field Elvisbab from Cuncolim, the constituency currently represented by Leader of Opposition Yuribab Alemao. All eyes are now on July 2, the tentative date fixed by the Swabhiman Cuncolkars to unveil Elvisbab's political plans for Cuncolim. Wait and watch.


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One photo, many questions amid changing political equations

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Published Jun 27
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One photo, many questions amid changing political equations

The photo speaks for itself. Speaker Ganeshbab Gaonkar of the BJP, Congress MLAs Leader of the Opposition Yuribab Alemao and Altonebab D’Costa, along with Goa Forward leaders Vijaibab Sardesai and Durgadas Kamat, came together to wish Congress's Aldona MLA Carlosbab Alvares on his birthday. Political observers were left wondering whether the photograph carried any political message. After all, it is an open secret that Goa Forward leaders and the Leader of the Opposition…

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