Will the Congress and the Goa Forward Party finally sit across the negotiating table now that the president of the regional party has returned from his fortnight-long visit to the United Kingdom? Before Vijaibab Sardesai left for the UK, GPCC chief Girishbab Chodankar had reportedly sent him a WhatsApp message suggesting that they meet after July 5, as he was preoccupied with party affairs in Tamil Nadu. With Vijaibab now back in Goa and Girishbab appearing to have tightened his grip over the party organisation, political circles are abuzz with speculation over whether the two leaders will finally meet to take alliance talks forward. Wait and watch.
Dual citizenship pitch puts Goa Forward in poll mode
Even before his return from the UK, hoardings and banners had sprung up across Fatorda celebrating Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai’s “International Politician of the Year” award. And when he finally landed in Goa over the weekend, party workers and supporters turned up in large numbers at the airport to accord their leader a rousing welcome. Political observers are now trying to decipher Vijaibab’s statement at the airport that the Goa Forward Party would pursue the issue of dual citizenship for Goans if the people of Goa entrusted the party with power – throwing up a question whether the regional party is gearing up contest the upcoming Assembly elections in a big way. Any questions?
GFP, Cong UK outreach may hold clues to RGP’s future
As leaders of the Goa Forward Party and the Congress descended in the UK as part of their outreach programme with the Goan diaspora, political observers were keenly awaiting their return—but for an entirely different reason. Following the leadership turmoil within the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP), observers are eager to assess the ground reality among RGP supporters in the UK. Sources say feedback from the diaspora could offer valuable clues about which faction of the divided RGP enjoys greater support and where its sympathisers may ultimately align in the run-up to the Assembly elections. Wait and watch.
Congress keeps mum on Girish’s birthday plans
What’s in store for the birthday celebrations of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee chief Girishbab Chodankar, scheduled for early next week? So far, there has been no official word either from the GPCC chief or the party organisation on the celebrations. It also remains unclear whether any senior Congress leader from the national leadership will be in Goa for the occasion. Sources, however, say that Goa desk in-charge Manikrao Thakare and AICC secretary Anjali Nimbalkar are expected to arrive in Goa on Sunday in connection with the induction of some leaders from Valpoi into the Congress. Wait and watch.
Yuri backs new GPCC chief, signals Congress unity
Leader of Opposition Yuribab Alemao’s statement that everyone is united behind newly appointed GPCC chief Girishbab Chodankar indicates that the Congress Legislative Party has firmly rallied behind the High Command’s decision to effect a change in the party’s State leadership. This is perhaps the first time since Girishbab returned to the GPCC helm that the Leader of Opposition has not only endorsed the High Command’s decision but also called upon party leaders and workers to unite and work under the leadership of the new Congress president. Interesting, isn’t it?
