From Chalo Ayodhya programme right in his backyard on Sunday coupled with his surprise visit to the Mantralaya, Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai seemed to come under the scanner of political observers. Reason: He is one politician who will tread a cautious path when it comes to saffron. On Sunday, however, Vijaibab was virtually soaked in a riot of saffron colour at the Chalo Ayodhya meeting presided over by Sadguru Brahmeshanand Acharya Swami at the Gogol Housing Board. And, that the Goa Forward chief called on bête noire Chief Minister Pramodbab Sawant at the Mantralaya days later has only raised eyebrows in political circles, coming as it does in the run up to ensuing Assembly session. Any takers?
When Swami referred to Vijai in his address on several occasions
Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai should be certainly pleased with the Chalo Ayodhya programme at the Gogol Housing Board on Sunday. Reason: As he shared the dais with a galaxy of BJP leaders, including BJP chief, MP Sadanandbab Tanavade, Ministers and MLAs, Sadguru Brahmeshanand Acharya Swami made a reference to Vijaibab on more than one occasion in his address to the devotees of Lord Ram. When the question came to the fore whether the government would declare a holiday on January 22, the Swami again made a reference to Vijaibab for demanding a holiday on Ram Navami. BJP leaders must have been left to wonder what’s happening around. Any takers?
South Goa AAP volunteers upbeat over Kejriwal’s visit
Aam Aadmi Party volunteers from South Goa seemed upbeat over reports that party national leader, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal is visiting the State later this month. There’s, however, another reason behind AAP volunteers’ anxiety. Many an AAP volunteer seemed to have not lost the hopes that Kejriwal would lobby hard with the INDIA alliance partner Congress to leave the South Goa seat for the party to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. That Kejriwal is expected to visit Benaulim and Velim has only raised speculations over the AAP leader’s ensuing visit to the State. Wait and watch.
Did Cong’s Thakare meet with regional parties during his visit?
Did Congress Goa Desk observer Manikrao Thakare have a meeting with any of the satraps of the regional parties during his two-day visit to the State? Sources in the Congress party pointed out that Thakare had a detailed interaction with party leaders and workers, right from State leaders to the district and block leaders. His interactions with party leaders seemed to have continued late night, sending a message loud and clear to the party rank and file that he means business. The moot question, however, remains unanswered – did Thakare on any occasion meet leaders of any of the regional parties? Wait and watch.
Lakshadweep tourism: Will PM’s promotion affect Goa?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong pitch for Lakshadweep as a tourist destination may have raised a host of questions in the island nation of Maldives. Reason: Maldives has been a favourite tourist destination for thousands of Indians over the years. It is even feared in tourism circles that Lakshadweep’s gain may cause loss to Maldives. What about Goa? Will PM’s appeal to promote Lakshadweep have any bearing on Goa’s beach tourism? There seems an eerie silence in local tourism circles. Any questions?
