With the curtains coming down on the monsoon session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, political circles are abuzz with speculation about how the non-BJP Opposition parties will approach the upcoming polls. For, questions are raised in political circles whether the Opposition displayed genuine coordination during the just-concluded Assembly session, or was their alignment on several key issues affecting Goa merely coincidental? That remains a matter of debate. On the ground, however, signs suggest that Opposition parties may be charting their own independent paths in a bid to strengthen their individual bases across the State. Wait and watch.
BJP, Goa Forward leaders unite for Satyanarayan pooja at MMC
Saturday saw political leaders belonging to the Goa Forward and the BJP making their presence at the Margao Municipal building to offer prayers at a Satyanarayan Pooja performed by Margao Municipal Chairperson Damubab Shirodkar. Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai, accompanied by party-backed councillors, was among the first to arrive at the civic premises. They were soon joined by a prominent BJP contingent, including Speaker Rameshbab Tawadkar, BJP State President Damubab Naik, Margao MLA Digambarbab Kamat, Navelim MLA Ulhasbab Tuenkar, among others. This is perhaps the first time in recent memory that a Satyanarayan Pooja has been held within the Municipal building — a move that has sparked curiosity in political circles. Any questions?
Saffron party weighing strategy for Curtorim Zilla elections
How will the saffron brigade approach the upcoming Zilla Panchayat polls for the two seats of Raia and Curtorim, both falling under the Curtorim constituency? Independent MLA Reginaldbab Lourenco, a key coalition partner of the ruling BJP, is the four-time MLA representing Curtorim. At the same time, the BJP has made its presence felt through local leaders like Mandal chief Snehabai Bhagwat and prominent ST leader Anthonybab Barbosa. Will the saffron brigade take this opportunity to test the political waters in the Curtorim ZP polls? Or will it rely on the Independent MLA to keep non-BJP forces at bay? Only time will tell. For now, it’s a matter of wait and watch.
Congress and AAP set for a showdown in Velim ZP polls
A battle royal between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party appears imminent for the Velim Zilla Panchayat seat. South Goa District Congress President Saviobab D’Silva has already sounded the poll bugle, declaring in no uncertain terms that the Congress intends to retain the Velim ZP seat in the upcoming elections. Velim constituency is currently represented by AAP MLA Cruzbab Silva. Sources say that Cruzbab, along with party leader Gersonbab Gomes, has chalked out a strategy to ensure that the broom sweeps aside all rivals in the fray. Will the Congress hold its ground, or will AAP make a clean sweep? Wait and watch.
Football final turns into a political spectacle in Raia
It was a soccer final that sparked keen interest in Raia’s political circles — but not just for the game on the field. The guest list for the final featured leaders from across the political spectrum: from Goa Forward and Congress to an Independent MLA and the Aam Aadmi Party. Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai was invited as the Chief Guest. The guests list includes local Curtorim Independent MLA Reginaldbab Lourenco, former South Goa MP and Congress veteran Francisco Sardinha, besides Curtorim AAP leader Roquebab Mascarenhas. MLA Reginaldbab was conspicuous by his absence, but the sight of leaders from rival political camps all seated together at a football final left both political observers and football fans wondering. You know why.
