The Congress appears to be treading cautiously over the forthcoming Ponda bye-election, necessitated by the demise of Agriculture Minister, the late Ravibab Naik. Party leaders, in private, admit they are keeping all options open as they await clarity on the BJP’s strategy — whether the ruling party will field Ravi’s son, Ritesh, as demanded by the Bhandari Samaj, or spring a surprise candidate.
Congress leaders acknowledge that any candidate from the Naik family would draw significant sympathy support, cutting across communities. At the same time, they are conscious that, as the principal opposition party, they cannot afford to give the BJP a walkover. For now, it’s a case of wait and watch.
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Luizinho’s latest book sparks buzz on political comeback
Political circles in Saxtti are abuzz with one question — what’s next for Luizinhbab Faleiro? The curiosity follows the release of his latest book, 'A Better Goa', which envisions a green, enlightened, futuristic, and sustainable State. The buzz is whether the former two-time Chief Minister and seven-time Navelim MLA will remain content as an author or treat the book as a prelude — even a manifesto — for a return to active politics ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls. For now, Luizinhbab has ducked questions about re-entering electoral politics, but he has not ruled out the possibility either. Wait and watch.
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‘Mhaje Ghar’ triggers political curiosity as Saxtti is left out
Chief Minister Pramodbab Sawant’s recent launch of the 'Mhaje Ghar' housing scheme across South Goa has sparked political curiosity — particularly because Saxttidom was conspicuously excluded from Phase I. The CM launched the scheme in Mormugao and other southern talukas but steered clear of Salcete. Observers believe this could be a calculated move to avoid further controversy, given that hundreds of houses in migrant-dominated Moti Dongor and nearby areas await regularisation. Whether the omission of Saxtti is strategic or circumstantial remains to be seen. Any takers?
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2027 game plan: Damu's silence keeps everyone guessing
BJP State President Damubab Naik continues to keep journalists and political observers guessing about his political plans for 2027. The two-time former Fatorda MLA has set an ambitious target of winning 27 seats for the BJP in the next Assembly polls. Yet, he has remained non-committal about contesting himself. When asked a straight question this week whether he intends to contest from Fatorda, Damubab neither confirmed nor denied it — simply sidestepping the question. But notably, he did not say he wouldn’t contest either. Any questions?
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From Varca to Cuncolim: Alemaos are rallying hard for 2027
The Varca-based Alemao family seems more energised than ever ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. In fact, if there’s one family already in full campaign mode, it’s the Alemaos. As many as four members of the clan have announced plans to contest — veteran Varca strongman Bab Churchill from Benaulim and daughter Valankabai from Navelim. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao will be seeking re-election from Cuncolim, while cousin Warren Alemao seems steadily to be laying the groundwork for making a debut from Benaulim. The family clearly means business. Any questions?
