Suspense continues to hit the Congress camp over the party candidate for the South Goa seat, and so are the fluctuating fortunes of the ticket aspirants. This became evident when the Congress delegation of PCC chief Amitbab Patkar and Opposition leader, Yuribab Alemao returned home by the Thursday evening flight. The duo dished out an impression that the ticket tangle has been resolved and the candidates would be announced on Friday. However, even before the duo could reach home, a message came from the High Command calling them back to Delhi on Sunday. Reason: To discuss and finalise the candidate for South Goa all over again. Interesting, isn’t it?
Did alliance partners suggest names of candidates to Cong?
Did any of the alliance partners of the Congress suggest names of candidates to the Congress High Command for the South Goa seat? Well, this question has become a subject of debate in Congress circles and outside with various theories doing the rounds since the last three days. No doubt, alliance partner Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai had publicly opposed sitting MP Francisbab Sardinha’s candidature. And, so was AAP MLA Venzybab Viegas, who had favoured a young and dynamic candidate for South Goa. The moot question, however, remains unanswered – did any of the alliance partners suggest the name of any particular candidate orally or in writing for the seat. Wait and watch.
BJP cadre, workers welcome Pallavi in strength at campaign
The weekend saw BJP’s candidate Pallavibai Dempo kick-starting her campaign in Salcete for the South Goa seat with party leaders in tow. Party cadre and workers from Margao, Fatorda and Navelim turned up in strength to welcome the industrialist. Many of the workers, however, seemed still trying to figure out what exactly went in Pallavi’s favour, more so when neither she nor her family had evinced interest in politics. How did Pallavibai get the better of the male and female contenders for the ticket? Only time will tell.
Babu may be down and out, but Quepem will be in focus
Supporters of ex-Dy CM Babu Kavlekar have a question or two for the saffron brigade to answer – in what way did the Congress-turned-BJP leader fall short in meeting the criteria for the candidate selection for the South Goa Lok Sabha seat? Well, Babu’s supporters apparently sought to convey a message that the ex-DyCM had done everything, right from traversing the length and breadth, calling all and sundry in the constituency, besides creating a feel good factor in his favour. Well, Babu is down and out, but Quepem will be the focus of attention in the May 7 election. You know why.
Will inordinate delay by Cong on candidates affect poll campaign?
Will the inordinate delay by the Congress to declare party candidate for the South Goa seat affect the election campaign? Well, this question has been doing the rounds, more so with BJP candidate Pallavibai Dempo and RGP nominee Rupertbab Pereira having kicked off their campaigns in the constituency. Pose the question to sitting Congress MP Francisbab Sardinha and do not be surprised to hear that he had wrested the seat from the BJP in the 2019 LS election in just 20 days when his candidature was cleared by the High Command at the eleventh hour. Any questions?
