The BJP leadership came under scrutiny earlier this week as the party began the process of finalising its candidate for the vacant post of South Goa Zilla Panchayat chairperson. As events unfolded, it became evident that BJP Zilla Panchayat members were kept in the dark about the party’s nominee until the very last moment. It was only during a closed-door meeting with party leaders that the candidate was finally revealed. Privately, a couple of BJP ZP members admitted they had no say in the selection process, adding that the leadership simply expected them to vote in favour of the chosen nominee.
AAP’s Atishi ends Goa visit, but question of Oppn unity lingers
Aam Aadmi Party national leader and Goa desk in-charge, Atishi Marlena, will conclude her visit to Goa on Sunday before returning to Delhi in time for the upcoming Assembly Session. During her stay, Atishi had a hectic schedule, interacting with party volunteers and initiating measures aimed at strengthening the party’s presence in Goa ahead of the upcoming elections. However, one question that may come back to haunt Atishi and the AAP leadership is one raised by a few volunteers — reflecting a growing public sentiment in Goa — that all non-BJP parties should unite to dislodge the BJP in 2027.
Cong has task cut out to keep party flag flying high in Salcete
Are GPCC chief Amitbab Patkar and Opposition Leader Yuribab Alemao aware that their main rival in the upcoming November Zilla Panchayat polls in Salcete could be the Aam Aadmi Party? With as many as nine ZP seats at stake in Salcete, the AAP is not only gearing up to win as many seats as possible but also to send a clear message to the Congress — especially with future seat-sharing negotiations in mind, should the two non-BJP parties consider forming an alliance for the 2027 elections. Against this backdrop, sources say the Amit-Yuri duo has task cut out to ensure that the Congress flag continues to fly high in its traditional stronghold of Salcete.
Two retired SPs shake up Cuncolim politics ahead of 2027 elections
Two retired Superintendents of Police from Cuncolim — Tony Fernandes and Sammy Tavares — have become the talk of the town in local political circles. The reason: Tony has gone public with his decision to challenge Opposition Leader Yuribab Alemao from Cuncolim in the 2027 Assembly elections. Meanwhile, sources say Sammy is being actively approached and courted by various political outfits, urging him to make his political debut in the same election. So far, none of the non-BJP parties have made significant inroads into Cuncolim represented by the Opposition leader. As the 2027 polls approach, all eyes will be on how the political landscape unfolds in this key constituency.
Margao Cong’s kabrastan push rekindles Sonsodo land purpose
Margao Block Congress convenor Saviobab Coutinho became a talking point on social media after he led a delegation of party leaders to meet Opposition Leader Yuribab Alemao, urging relaxation of Town and Country Planning rules to facilitate the construction of a kabrastan at Sonsodo. Citizens raised a pressing question: Was the Sonsodo land acquired solely for a kabrastan, or was it originally intended to serve as a burial ground for all three religious communities? The question gains relevance as Saviobab was a member of the Margao Municipal Council when it passed the original resolution to acquire the land for burial grounds for all the communities. How and when was the resolution amended to allot the entire land only for kabrastan still remains a mystery. Any questions?
