The Cabinet’s decision to empower the State Election Commission through the Ordinance route has raised a few pointed questions—chief among them whether the Chief Minister has no plan to reconvene the Assembly to deliberate on contentious matters that were left hanging after the House was adjourned due to the election code of conduct. Leader of Opposition Yuribab Alemao and Goa Forward Party leader Vijaibab Sardesai had earlier petitioned the Governor, urging that the Assembly be reconvened. Political observers note that if the government planned to reconvene a session in the near future, it may not have resorted to the Ordinance route to amend the Goa Municipalities Act to empower the SEC. Any questions?
SEC framework may decide timing of municipal polls
Meanwhile, the proposed Ordinance to strengthen the State Election Commission is being closely watched by political stakeholders. Many believe the document will offer clues about how long the Commission will take to complete the required formalities before announcing civic poll dates. Sources suggest the Ordinance could lay out a detailed procedural framework for the Commission to follow. The unanswered question, however, remains: how much time will the State Election Commission needs before the municipal election schedule is finally declared? The answer may only become clearer only next week.
‘Enough is Enough’ gears up for fresh agitation
Leaders of the ‘Enough is Enough’ movement appear to be gearing up to intensify their agitation, pressing for the implementation of Justice Ferdinbab Rebello’s 10-point charter of demands. With the government continuing to cold-shoulder repeated pleas to scrap Section 39A of the TCP Act, the movement is now preparing to hold a rally at the historic Lohia Maidan in Margao in the coming days. This will be followed by a State-level mega rally at Azad Maidan in Panaji, aimed at further mounting pressure on the government to act on the charter. Wait and watch.
Venzy launches series of initiatives across Benaulim
It has also been a busy week for Aam Aadmi Party MLA Venzybab Viegas, as he rolled out project after project in his home constituency of Benaulim. He began with “Amghe Sal”, a drone-mapping initiative to identify sewage discharge points in the River Sal. This was followed by another effort focused on preserving “Ganvche Sankov” for future generations. Not stopping there, Viegas also went about an illumination drive across the constituency—lighting up the Colva fishing area and the Seraulim railway underpass to enhance safety for pedestrians. Any questions?
CM’s futsal strike seen as political signal in Cuncolim
It was also a week marked by optics and symbolism, as Chief Minister Pramodbab Sawant stepped onto the futsal field in Cuncolim—the political stronghold of Opposition Leader Yuribab Alemao. While the Chief Minister is no stranger to making public sporting appearances, this outing stood out. In the presence of Yuribab and Congress MLA Altonbab D’Costa, the CM calmly slotted the ball into an open goal. The moment did not go unnoticed. As both opposition leaders looked on, a remark from the sidelines captured the mood: the Chief Minister had scored a goal on Cuncolim’s turf. Any takers?
