As Chief Minister Pramod Sawant led from the front in attacking the Opposition for raking up the Dabolim airport issue, the government itself may have to answer a question or two. The key question: How did Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho come to know that GMR Group was allegedly lobbying with the Navy to shut down civilian operations at Dabolim Airport? It was this very remark by the Transport Minister, sources say, that triggered intense speculation in political circles – is it really GMR making the moves, or are there other powers at play behind the scenes? Mauvin may do well to clarify how he came by this information and whether there is any formal communication to back the claim. Until then, the air remains thick with unanswered questions. After all, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Any questions?
Ponda in focus: Thakare takes stock as Cong readies for by-poll
Political observers are closely watching the moves of Congress Goa desk in-charge Manikrao Thakare following his return to the State over the weekend. Sources indicate that Thakare met with the Political Affairs Committee to review the party’s preparedness for the upcoming Ponda by-elections and the civic polls. He is also believed to have held discussions with Ponda-based party leaders to strategise the party’s approach to the crucial by-poll. On Saturday, Thakare was scheduled to attend a closed-door dinner meeting with a citizens’ group in Margao, further fuelling speculation about his plans. For now, it appears to be a case of wait and watch.
Warren’s Cong bid no surprise to Thakare, surfaces at meet
Warren Alemao’s formal application to join the Congress found mention at the Congress party meeting attended by none other than party Goa desk in-charge, Manikrao Thakare. Sources indicate that Manikrao is not unfamiliar with Warren’s attempts to enter the Congress fold. A couple of months ago, political circles in Saxtti were abuzz with reports that Warren had called on Thakare to express his desire to join the party. Now, months later, Warren has formally submitted his application for Congress membership. A sheer coincidence? Or was this always on the cards?
Yuri treads cautiously as cousin’s Cong bid looms
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao may prefer to leave the decision on cousin Warren’s entry to the party High Command. However, he is expected to tread carefully, wary of opponents reviving the “family raj” narrative ahead of elections. Yuri knows only too well how damaging that perception can be. In his electoral debut from Sanguem, he lost by a narrow margin, while his father, Joaquim Alemao, also faced defeat in Cuncolim. The “family dominance” criticism had then become a talking point among rivals. With political sailing appearing relatively smooth at the moment, Yuri may not want history to repeat itself. Any questions?
Cuncolim connect: Two Goa Police cadre lead two districts
In an interesting coincidence, both the North and South Goa police districts are currently headed by Superintendents of Police hailing from Cuncolim. Harish Madkaikar is presiding over North Goa as Superintendent of Police, while Santosh Desai has been posted as South Goa SP, replacing Tikam Singh Verma, who has proceeded on leave. This may well be the first time in recent history that both North and South Goa districts are headed by officers from the Goa Police cadre – and notably, both from Cuncolim. A coincidence indeed. Any questions?
