For perhaps the first time since the State has witnessed a wave of agitations — particularly over land-use issues culminating in a hunger strike at Azad Maidan — the BJP leadership appears to be recalibrating its stance. State BJP president Damodar Naik was categorical in stating that the government will not act against the wishes of the people. In an election year, no political party would want to head into the polls burdened with public discontent — especially when protests are erupting in areas considered traditional strongholds. The political mood is clearly shifting. The question is: will this translate into policy shifts, or is it merely pre-election positioning? Only time will tell.
RGP–AAP alliance talk raises questions for Cong
Political circles are abuzz with speculation over reports that the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) may stitch together an alliance for the 2027 Assembly elections. The chatter grew louder after AAP MLA Venzybab Viegas went to town and openly spoke about the possibility of such a tie-up. The big question now doing the rounds: how will the Congress leadership react? More importantly, will the two parties extend an invitation to the Congress to join the proposed alliance? After all, a section of Congress leaders had strongly advocated for a united front with the RGP during the recently concluded Zilla Panchayat polls. Any questions?
Atishi’s Churchill outreach comes amid alliance rumble
Many an eyebrows was raised over the visit of AAP Goa desk in-charge Atishi Marlena to Varca strongman Churchill Alemao. Reason: Atishi’s visit came barely days after AAP Benaulim MLA Venzybab Viegas publicly stated that he, along with Velim MLA Cruzbab Silva, would reconsider their position if the party leadership failed to back an opposition alliance. Is this outreach to Churchillbab a subtle signal from AAP that it has multiple options on the table? The timing has certainly set tongues wagging. Many political watchers are intrigued — and understandably so.
Yuri walks tightrope over mega housing project
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao appears to be facing a delicate challenge in his home turf of Cuncolim. The issue revolves around a proposed mega housing-cum-commercial project at Panzorcone. The project — which has already secured technical clearance from the TCP and a construction licence from Yuri-controlled Cuncolim Municipal Council has reportedly proposed as many as 75 flats along with commercial shops. Critics argue that such a development could significantly alter the demography of the area. How the Leader of Opposition navigates this politically sensitive terrain will be closely watched.
Echoes of the past: Will history repeat on TCP?
Here’s some food for thought. Nearly two decades ago, when the Congress government led by then Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane scrapped the Regional Plan, it was then Minister Digambar Kamat who had the privilege of announcing the decision at a State function in Margao. In the event the present government decides to bow to public pressure over Section 39A of the TCP, who will make the announcement this time? Will Chief Minister Pramod Sawant take the call and make the declaration himself? Wait and watch.
