All’s well that ends well, goes the saying. The Congress’ Goy Rakhonn Yatra through the Fatorda stronghold of Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai passed off without a hitch, with senior Congress leaders reiterating the party’s offer of an alliance to like-minded parties. However, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao’s speech at the SGPDA grounds has caught the attention of political observers. Yuri sent out a strong message against underestimating the Congress in Fatorda citing the lead taken by South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes in the 2024 elections. He also took a swipe at the stinking SGPDA market, questioning how things had come to such a pass despite its renovation on the lines of Dubai’s fish market. But whom was Yuri referring to? That is the question doing the rounds in political circles, particularly amid growing strains in the relationship between the Yuri-Vijai duo. Any questions?
Cong ticket aspirants need more than rally attendance
Does participation in a rally guarantee a Congress ticket for an aspirant? Nothing of the sort! Ticket aspirants and those planning to join the Congress would do well to remember that merely attending or mobilising crowds for a party rally does not guarantee a ticket. Former Congress heavyweight Aleixobab Sequeira learnt this bitter lesson ahead of the 2017 Assembly elections. Like other ticket aspirants, Aleixobab had participated in the Congress padayatra in Nuvem constituency from Verna-Pirni to Nuvem. Yet, the party did not consider him for a ticket, despite his stature as a former minister and his having represented Nuvem on a number of occasions. Need any further proof?
Pitru Paksha ends, will Vijai finally resolve alliance puzzle?
With Pitru Paksha, considered an inauspicious period, set to end over the weekend, all eyes are on Goa Forward Party (GFP) chief Vijaibab Sardesai. The GFP supremo has so far parried questions about a possible alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), even as he appears open to continuing the party’s alliance with the Congress. The bigger question, however, is how the GFP will navigate its alliance with the Congress after suspending all talks with the principal Opposition party. Will Vijai make his next move once Pitru Paksha ends, or will the political suspense continue? Wait and watch!
Altone’s Velim visit fuels political speculation
Both Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and Quepem MLA Altonbab D’Costa have been leading the ongoing Goy Rakhonn Yatra across the State. However, when the rally entered Velim constituency over the weekend, it was Altonbab who emerged as the cynosure of all eyes — and for good reason. Political circles have been abuzz with speculation that the Quepem MLA could contest from Velim if Quepem is reserved for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community. Against this backdrop, and given reports of Altonbab reaching out to several influential people in Velim, his presence at the rally naturally drew considerable attention. Coincidence, or a sign of things to come? You know why!
Benjamin’s appearance at Velim yatra sparks curiosity
While Altonbab D’Costa was the centre of attention during the Goy Rakhonn Yatra in Velim, former Velim Independent MLA Benjamin D’Costa also caught the eye after he was spotted walking behind the Quepem MLA during the rally. It remains unclear whether Benjamin joined the yatra simply to welcome the rally into Velim or whether he has political plans of his own ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Is there more to his appearance than meets the eye? For now, it is a case of wait and watch.
