Politicians holding hands in unison on Diwali eve on the SGPDA grounds, the home turf of Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai, had triggered speculation in political circles. Yet such displays are not new in Fatorda. A notable example is the group of Independents who came together on the Fatorda stage over a decade ago — Vijaibab Sardesai, Rohan Khaunte, Naresh Sawal, Benjamin D’Silva, Avertano Furtado, among others. Of course, those who once stood together eventually charted their own distinct political paths. Will history repeat itself? Only time will tell.
Aspirants jostle for Cong ZP seats as alliance talks continue
Even as the Congress remains busy in hectic parleys to keep the Opposition alliance intact, party leaders may soon have to grapple with another challenge — shortlisting candidates for the Zilla Panchayat seats. Reports from within the Congress camp suggest that the party has received multiple applications for several constituencies in the upcoming polls. Seats such as Colva, Benaulim, Velim, Navelim and Curtorim have all come under the scanner of political observers. Wait and watch.
Cong delay on Colva triggers talk of NCP reclaiming space
The Nationalist Congress Party had won the lone seat of Colva in the 2020 Zilla Panchayat elections when Varca strongman Bab Churchill served as the party’s Benaulim MLA. With NCP chief Jose Philipbab D’Souza now threatening to field candidates in at least five South Goa ZP constituencies to prove a point or two to the Congress, questions are being raised about whether the NCP will have its candidate for Colva. The Congress, meanwhile, is yet to formally announce its candidate for the seat. Wait and watch.
Christmas-eve ZP polls raise fears of soaring campaign costs
Zilla Panchayat polls scheduled on the eve of Christmas festivities have sparked concerns among many candidates — that the holiday season may push election budgets higher than usual. Reason: With festive cheer filling the air, there may be no shortage of political “Santa Clauses” eager to keep voters in good humour. Beyond the usual distribution of hampers, candidates may even be expected to hand out Christmas cakes to stay in the voters’ good books. Any questions?
A week after promise, BJP yet to announce ZP candidates
This may make the reading even more interesting. While the Opposition’s disunity has been on full display over seat-sharing and alliance issues, questions are now being raised in political circles about the BJP’s delay in announcing its candidates for the upcoming polls. A week ago, a senior BJP leader had indicated that the first list of candidates would be unveiled by Thursday. Yet, a full week later, there’s still no sign of the ruling dispensation releasing its list. Any questions?
