At the fag end of the order acquitting Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho and others in the power rebate scam, the Special Judge directed the accused to furnish fresh bail bonds of Rs 50,000 with one surety. The reason was simple: to enable the prosecution to file an appeal before the higher court. This has only sparked speculation. Will the Pramodbab Sawant-led government pursue an appeal against the acquittal? Or will it choose to draw the curtain on a case that has dragged on for over two and a half decades? Wait and watch.
Kamat thanks CM for PWD, but Culture portfolio left out
Newly-inducted Minister Digambarbab Kamat has expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Pramodbab Sawant for entrusting him with the Public Works Department (PWD) and other portfolios during the recent Cabinet reshuffle. He told the media that the CM had consulted him before finalising the allocation. Back in Margao, however, questions are being whispered: Why wasn’t the Art and Culture portfolio — considered close to Diggu’s heart — handed to him? Indeed food for thought.
Elvis back in Cuncolim spotlight over second fishmeal plant row
It was a week when bureaucrat-turned-politician Elvisbab Gomes turned his attention to his home village of Cuncolim. Having taken up numerous public issues under the banner of Citizens for Democracy, Elvisbab has now raised concerns about a proposed second fishmeal plant in the area. No one understands better than Elvisbab how this issue could serve as a platform to bounce back in Cuncolim in the political scheme of things. Wait and watch as concerned citizens on the job to uncover the people behind the project and its exact location.
Ganesh Chaturthi visits signal Vijai’s renewed North Goa focus
Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai was recently spotted in Bardez and Pernem talukas during the ongoing Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. His visits to extend festive greetings are being closely observed by both allies and adversaries. The regional party is reportedly working on plans to revive its presence in North Goa ahead of the upcoming elections. With intentions to contest a few seats in the Zilla Panchayat polls in Salcete, speculation is rife about whether the party will also field candidates in Pernem and Bardez in the forthcoming polls scheduled for December. Wait and watch.
Atishi plays ghumat, strikes political chord in Goa
It was a week when Aam Aadmi Party Goa desk in-charge, Atishibai Marlena, returned to Goa to partake in the ongoing Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. During her visit, she is believed to have visited the residence of key party leaders and workers to extend Chaturthi greetings. Atishibai was seen playing the ghumat during an aarti at the residence of AAP Goa chief Amitbab Palekar. Party insiders, however, suggest that the former Delhi AAP minister is not in Goa merely for festive celebrations. Her visit is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the party ahead of the upcoming Zilla Panchayat polls, with AAP expected to make a concerted push to expand its presence across the State.
