Finally, the Opposition parties went in a huddle ahead of the ensuing Goa Assembly Session, promising to floor the government on the mat in the coming session. For a moment, the Opposition seemed to have left behind their differences to put up a united face. Political observers, however, have been trying to figure out whether Opposition Leader Yuribab Alemao and Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai have buried their hatchet. Observers have been trying to figure out whether the Opposition Leader had personally called up the Goa Forward chief or preferred to send a WhatsApp message inviting him for the meeting. Wait and watch.
Margao MLA’s juggling skills in civic body faces acid test
Congress-turned-BJP Margao MLA Diggu’s juggling skills is facing an acid test as the Margao civic chief Damubab Shirodkar has completed 15 months in office. When a host of ruling councillors, both first timers and seniors, have firmly set their eyes on the post of MMC chairperson and vice-chairperson, both Damubab and his deputy Deepalibai, however, seemed firmly in the saddle, courtesy Diggu. The Margao MLA seems in no hurry to effect a change in the MMC leadership with Lok Sabha polls round the corner. With the Bahujan Samaj constituting a major chunk of Margao electorate, Diggu apparently is not keen to disturb the status quo. Any takers?
Opponents wary as Vijai woos Bahujan Samaj
It was a week when Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai too seemed to have played the Bahujan Samaj card in his fiefdom Fatorda. To the surprise of many in both Margao and Fatorda, the Goa Forward chief has got the Margao Municipality to name a road near the Nehru stadium after the founder of brand Sharda, Damodar Yeshwant Naik. The move, sources say, must have left opponents to wonder, more so with Vijaibab making repeated moves to woo the Bahujan Samaj towards him and his party in the political scheme of things. Any questions?
All eyes on Benaulim Zilla Panchayat by-poll
All eyes are focused on Benaulim, but for a different reason. With the Administrative Tribunal setting aside election of Aam Aadmi Party Benaulim ZP member Hanzelbab Fernandes, Benaulim seemed heading for a by-election, unless the order is stayed by the Supreme Court. The outcome of the ZP election, as and when held may not have any bearing on the BJP-controlled South Goa Zilla Panchayat. The by-poll, however, will mean a lot for incumbent AAP MLA Venzybab Viegas and his challengers including members of the Alemao clan. Since the ZP polls are fought on party lines, it would be also interesting to know whether the Congress would contest the by-poll, or would leave the seat to AAP as part of the INDIA alliance. Wait and watch.
Is Aleixo given brief and mandate to address all issues in Salcete?
What’s Chief Minister Pramodbab Sawant’s brief for Saxtti’s lone Minister Aleixobab Sequeira in minority Saxttidom following his appointment as Minister in the BJP-led government? This question is being asked in both bureaucratic and political circles with Aleixobab taking up issues all and sundry at his weekly Friday Darbar. That he once cautioned that he would be left with no option than to complain to the Chief Minister over lack of coordination from the bureaucrats, has only raised speculations whether the CM has given Aleixobab a clear brief and mandate to address all issues affecting Saxttidom. Any takers?
