The weekend visit of Manikrao Thakare, Goa desk in-charge of the Indian National Congress, appears to have come under the scrutiny of party leaders. While Thakare, accompanied by party senior vice-president MK Sheikh, paid a condolence visit to the family of Dr Ketan Bhatikar on Saturday morning, Congress circles were abuzz over reports of a meeting he was scheduled to attend in Margao at the invitation of an organisation. Whether it was merely dinner diplomacy or something more, the proposed interaction has certainly triggered curiosity within party ranks. Wait and watch.
Would BJP's 'ATM' shut down
if wholesale fish market opened?
With the redeveloped Margao wholesale fish market awaiting inauguration for over a year and a half, Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai made a striking allegation, claiming that the BJP’s “ATM” would shut down if the market were commissioned. For a moment, scribes were left wondering what an “ATM” had to do with the wholesale fish market and the ruling party — and who exactly was the alleged beneficiary of the non-commissioning of the project. However, the Goa Forward leader stopped short of elaborating on his remark, merely asserting that a new non-BJP government would inaugurate the market after the 2027 Assembly polls. Interesting, isn’t it?
Kejriwal's political strategy
to nuture AAP constituencies
The Aam Aadmi Party appears determined to leave no stone unturned in further strengthening its base in the two Assembly constituencies of Velim and Benaulim. While the party has embarked on a broader mission to expand its footprint across the State, party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has made it a point to personally launch projects in constituencies represented by party MLAs Cruz Silva and Venzy Viegas. If Kejriwal launched an e-digital library in Benaulim earlier this year, he returned to Goa this week to inaugurate an Arogya Clinic in Velim. Clearly, the moves appear to be part of a well-crafted political strategy. Wait and watch.
Churchill celebrates birthday
in Vailankanni this year
Varca strongman Bab Churchill celebrated his birthday at Vailankanni over the weekend with his family at the pilgrim centre in Tamil Nadu. He cut the birthday cake at midnight in the company of close relatives, while well-wishers marked the occasion with firecrackers. Back home, arrangements for tea and snacks were made for the steady stream of supporters visiting his residence to greet the strongman. Yet, many supporters were left wondering why Churchill — known for hosting lavish birthday celebrations — chose against throwing a grand bash this year, especially after repeatedly signalling his intention to contest the 2027 Assembly elections. Any questions?
2027 poll battle for Benaulim
begins with slew of initiatives
While Churchillbab Alemao celebrated his birthday in Vailankanni, nephew Warrenbab Alemao appears to have stepped up the pace of development work in Benaulim with an eye on the upcoming 2027 Assembly election. Activities under the Warren Alemao initiative are now visible across the constituency — from football summer camps to the de-silting of storm water drains and ponds. Though the Congress is yet to open its doors to Warren, that has not stopped him from making his presence felt across Benaulim through grassroots initiatives. Wait and watch -- the battle for Benaulim has begun in right earnest.
