The unfurling of the National Tricolour on Independence Day at the South District Collectorate by Margao MLA Digambarbab Kamat has become a talking point in Saxtti’s political corridors. Reason: Perhaps the first time in recent times, an MLA was given the honour of hoisting the national flag at Margao on Independence Day. Saxtti’s lone Minister, Aleixobab Sequeira, who did the honours of hoisting the flag in the last two years, was conspicuous by his absence. Sources, however, revealed that Aleixobab, while undergoing treatment at a Delhi-hospital, had informed CM Pramod Sawant to depute someone else to do the honours on Independence Day. As per insiders, the government had already deputed Diggu to do the honours before Aleixobab recovered and made it to the recently concluded Assembly session. Any questions?
Vijai avoids Digambar’s turf, limits Chaka Chak to Fatorda
Goa Forward Party chief Vijaibab Sardesai appears to have tactfully avoided a political clash with friend-turned-foe Digambarbab Kamat. While launching his annual Chaka Chak city-cleaning drive ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, Vijaibab made a conspicuous choice: he restricted the drive in the Fatorda area of the Margao Municipal Council, and clearly avoided Diggu’s stronghold Margao. Despite vocal criticism about Margao’s deteriorating state, the Goa Forward leader has deferred his Chaka Chak plans for the city to next year. Any takers?
Young challenger enters Kamat’s backyard, opens office ahead of ’27
Not many may be aware, but young Margao-based businessman Chiragbab Naik will have his office in Pajifond, ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The talking point, however, is the location — just 100 metres away from the office of none other than seven-time MLA Digambarbab Kamat. In fact, a passer-by can get a clear view of both offices from the same spot on the road. Sources close to Chiragbab suggest that this office launch is the first serious step towards challenging Diggu’s long-standing political dominance. A battle brews in the heart of Margao? Wait and watch.
Gang war fallout: Social media abuzz over political connections
As the tally of the accused arrested in the recent Mungul gang war rose to 16 during the weekend, social media went into overdrive — buzzing with questions about political links to those arrested. Questions were raised whether any of the accused had shared ties with political figures, with citizens raising a pertinent question whether the police get a free hand to build a water-tight case, free of political pressure? Wait and watch.
Fisheries dept drone tender raises eyebrows over Rs 4 cr turnover clause
The Fisheries Department’s tender inviting bids to implement drone technology for monitoring vessels violating fishing norms seemed to have come under scrutiny of stakeholders, including boat owners. The requirement that bidders must have a minimum average annual turnover of Rs 4 crore over the last three financial years, and must have at least three years of experience in the operation or sale of drones have come under lens. These conditions seemed to have raised eyebrows. You know why.
