The unfolding developments surrounding political reservations for the Scheduled Tribes (STs) appear to have triggered political ripples in the Nuvem and Velim Assembly constituencies, albeit for different reasons. When CM Pramodbab Sawant announced that Quepem, Sanguem, Priol and Nuvem would be reserved for the STs in 2027, questions did the rounds was whether the Congress Quepem MLA would shift to Velim if his constituency gets reserved for the STs. Similarly, the host of non-ST aspirants in Nuvem were keenly watching the development. Interestingly, candidates from both Velim and Nuvem heaved a sigh of relief following the High Court’s stay on the ST population census. But that is certainly not the end of the story. They are now keeping their fingers crossed, with the government mulling a challenge to the HC order in the Supreme Court. The uncertainty, it seems, is far from over. Wait and watch!
Congress-GFP rapprochement leaves key questions open
As the Congress and the Goa Forward Party appear set to resume talks on alliance for the 2027 Assembly elections, a host of questions remain unanswered. For starters, how would the two parties go about stitching together an alliance? Would it involve a merger of the regional party with the Congress, or would Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai settle for an arrangement similar to the one worked out in 2022? In the latter eventuality, how many seats would the Goa Forward Party stake claim to, and how willing would the Congress be to concede them? Indeed, many questions remain unanswered. Wait and watch!
AAP’s silence to Cong challenge in Benaulim, Velim raises questions
This may make for interesting reading. Against the backdrop of Congress president Girishbab Chodankar’s assertion that the Congress would contest and win the two seats of Benaulim and Velim in 2027, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its two MLAs, Venzybab Viegas and Cruzbab Silva, respectively, have maintained a surprisingly low profile. Many had expected the AAP leadership and the two legislators to hit back at the Congress with a befitting reply. Political observers, however, were left surprised when there was no strong reaction from the AAP leadership. Any questions?
Narkasur: Generosity of Vijai, Damu lights up Fatorda
Youngsters engaged in preparing Narkasur effigies on Fatorda grounds may have a gala time this year. The reason is simple. If sources are to be believed, there appears to be no dearth of donations from political leaders this time around. While Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai is expected to host his annual Shree Krishna Vedik Narkasura competition at the SGPDA ground, with sponsorships involving effigy-making groups, BJP State president Damubab Naik is also believed to have made his presence felt in a big way this time. With both leaders reportedly extending their support to the Narkasur groups, do not be surprised if some of them have managed to collect donations from both sides. Any questions?
Vasco fire: Another step in Yuri’s statewide outreach?
Leader of Opposition Yuribab Alemao was in a combative mood in the port town of Vasco following the devastating fire that gutted shops and business establishments earlier this week. The Opposition leader spared no one, taking on everyone from the Deputy Collector and District Collector to the Chief Secretary, and challenging the administration head-on. Sources within and outside the party believe that the episode could help Yuribab carve out a pan-Goa political image, particularly after the Goy Rakhonn Yatra, which traversed all 40 Assembly constituencies. Could this be another step towards positioning himself as a leader with Statewide appeal? Any questions?
