Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai raising hands to mark the alliance of the two parties in 2021.
Has the proverb “What goes up must come down” any relevance to Goan politics? One has often seen politicians raising their hands to play the unity tunes. The people of Goa have seen how relations between Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai and former RGP chief Manojbab Parab soured after the duo raised their hands in front of thousands at a Narkasura competition. At Leader of Opposition Yuribab Alemao’s birthday, the Vijai-Yuri duo too raised their hands in unison, only to turn into bitter political foes later. Now, with the Goa Forward-Congress alliance under strain, questions are being asked whether the raising of hands by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Vijaibab Sardesai in 2021 will meet a similar fate. Wait and watch.
Unanswered questions keep Cong-GFP alliance talks alive
The Congress and Goa Forward seemed playing mind games, with neither party willing to make the first move to break the alliance. First, it was the Goa Forward Party that suspended — not called off — alliance talks with the Congress. While the talks remained suspended, Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai floated the Goa First political platform. When everything appeared to be over between Congress and Goa Forward, the Congress leadership drafted a delegation to meet the regional party and find out what exactly it wanted from the alliance. So, was everything really over? Apparently not. For, Goa Forward has now gone public saying it is awaiting answers from the Congress on some unanswered questions. Has the Congress anything to reply?
The ‘Goa First’ puzzle: Questions over new political platform
Vijai Sardesai, Venzy Viegas and Amit Patkar showing thumbs up to Goa First movement.
What exactly is this political narrative called “Goa First” all about, who is its architect, and what is its intended objective? These and many other unanswered questions are currently doing the rounds in political circles, as Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai, AAP MLA Venzybab Viegas and former GPCC chief Amitbab Patkar have given a big push to the concept through their public engagements. If Goa First is a platform for opposition parties to unite to defeat the BJP, will it encompass all opposition parties, or will some be left out while others are given entry? The fact that the concept is being floated just ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi assumes significance. You know why?
Kamat keeps Margao, clears air on son’s political entry
It is official. PWD Minister Digambarbab Kamat has settled the oft-asked question in Margao political circles over whether he or his son Yogirajbab will contest the Margao seat in the upcoming 2027 Assembly elections. The seven-time MLA has made it clear that he will once again throw his hat into the electoral ring from his home turf. Speculation has been rife in Margao political circles whether the Minister was grooming son Yogiraj for the electoral battle. Yogiraj has been increasingly visible on the political scene, looking after his father’s political work, attending meetings and taking care of Diggu’s loyal band of workers. Any questions?
CM’s call and Aleixo’s outreach fuel speculation over 2027 plans
When Chief Minister Pramodbab Sawant requested Congress-turned-BJP Nuvem MLA Aleixobab Sequeira to seek re-election in the 2027 election has become a talking point in Saxtti political circles. Aleixobab’s reaction to the CM’s plea remains unknown, but local observers say the way the Nuvem MLA has gone about commissioning the underground electricity line and distributing overhead water tanks and other goodies to his constituents has raised questions about his plans for 2027 — and, more importantly, under which banner he intends to contest. Wait and watch.
