Chief Minister Pramodbab Sawant’s “pause” at the Mhaje Ghar launch in Cuncolim earlier this week, raised many an eyebrows. While addressing citizens after launching the Mhaje Ghar scheme, the CM urged beneficiaries to complete the process before February 2026. However, what raised many eyebrows among the audience was the CM’s brief pause when he referred to the upcoming Zilla Panchayat (ZP) polls scheduled for December. Though he did not elaborate on the elections, his tone suggested he was subtly conveying a message to the crowd about the ZP polls. Even officials present at the launch were left wondering what exactly the Chief Minister was hinting at. Any questions?
Wary of reservation, Oppn holds back on ZP candidates
With the Zilla Panchayat polls barely a month and a half away, political outfits — particularly the Opposition parties — appear cautious about declaring their candidates. The reason is not far to seek.
Opposition leaders are well aware that the BJP, being the ruling party, could enjoy an advantage in the seat reservation process — whether for women, Scheduled Tribes, or OBCs. In this scenario, the Opposition seems to be waiting for the authorities to complete the reservation formalities before announcing their candidates, wary that premature declarations could be rendered futile if the seats are later reserved. Any takers?
GFP, RGP unity points to common agenda for polls
It was a week when the supremos of the Goa Forward Party (GFP) and the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) — Vijaibab Sardesai and Manojbab Parab — shared a platform for a joint media briefing.
The interaction was primarily aimed at countering CM Pramodbab Sawant’s accusations that the two regional parties were sabotaging the Mhaje Ghar scheme. Yet, the joint appearance raised many eyebrows in political circles. This was perhaps the first time in recent memory that the chiefs of the two regional parties addressed the media together on a single issue — a clear indication that the regional leaders might be working toward a common agenda ahead of the upcoming polls. Wait and watch.
GPCC chief treads cautious path on pre-poll alliance
Goa Congress chief Amitbab Patkar’s statement that the Congress High Command will decide on a possible non-BJP alliance for the upcoming polls makes for interesting reading. The remark gains significance against the backdrop of the Opposition unity show at the SGPDA grounds on the eve of Diwali. Patkar’s absence from the event was conspicuous, especially when Opposition Leader Yuribab Alemao and MLA Altone D’Costa joined hands with leaders of the Goa Forward Party and Revolutionary Goans Party in a symbolic display of unity. Has Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai and Revolutionary Goans supremo Manojbab Parab anything to say on Congress’ High Command take? Wait and watch.
BJP left red-faced as loyalty test turns costly in Davorlim
The BJP leadership must have been left red-faced after the party not only failed to retain the Davorlim Panchayat, but also lost a crucial loyalty test. Despite the intervention of two senior BJP Ministers, the saffron brigade couldn’t save the day — with one of the panchayat member even going out of station on the very day of the no-confidence motion against newly elected Sarpanch Menino Colaco. The BJP’s plan to regain control of Davorlim — in a style reminiscent of the Margao Municipal Chairperson election — backfired spectacularly. The reasons are plenty, and the party has some introspection to do.
