When former Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar’s son Utpal quit the BJP to contest as an independent from Panaji, many a political observer expected the Congress to capitalise on the emerging situation to put the BJP in the dock. A united opposition to the BJP for the Panaji seat was what was hotly discussed in political circles. Political observers are trying to figure out whether the Congress did not want to disturb party candidate, bureaucrat-turned-politician Elvis Gomes or the party was wary that such a move may antagonise a section of party leaders on the eve of the ensuing polls.
All eyes now on Cong CM face
As curtains come down on the process of filing of nomination papers, the Congress leadership may come under focus on the question of unveiling the party Chief Ministerial candidate. In fact, questions are being asked in Congress circles and outside who amongst the contesting candidates will be the Party CM’s face. Many say Opposition leader Digambar Kamat is perceived as the de facto Chief Ministerial candidate considering there are hardly any seniors left in the party, barring one or two, to challenge Kamat for the coveted post. Wait and watch.
Kumpars playing formalin issue to their advantage
Trinamool Congress leaders, MP Luizinho Faleiro and Churchill Alemao appeared hell bent in bringing the contentious formalin issue on the election centre-stage. The duo does not lose a single opportunity to highlight formalin and the formalin mafia, only throwing up questions how the formalin issue is relevant in the coming polls. While Faleiro had charged the mafia for sabotaging his prospects in Navelim during his stint in the Congress, Churchill suspects the mafia is working overtime in his backyard to ensure his defeat.
TMC’s Ethel turns down Fatorda offer
Where’s Ethel Lobo, who had joined the Trinamool Congress party after quitting the Congress late last year? Well, it was Ethel who had covered much ground in Fatorda, introducing the TMC to the people of Fatorda. Before the TMC announced Luizinho Faleiro’s candidature for Fatorda, Ethel had almost covered the constituency, taking the party message to the doorsteps of the people. Faleiro’s candidature, sources said, had come as a shock for Ethel and her group. And, when Faleiro refused to accept the ticket, Ethel also said a firm no to the TMC offer to contest the ensuing polls.
Joe Dias maintaining a low profile
It’s a sheer coincidence that South Goa district Congress chief Joe Dias was conspicuous by his absence at the office of returning officers at the time of filing of nomination papers. In fact, when a host of party candidates, including heavyweights descended at the office of returning officers, Joe was reportedly out of station on medical grounds. In fact, ever since the Congress denied him the Velim ticket, Joe has been maintaining low profile. Will he join the campaign of Congress Velim candidate Savio D’Silva? Wait and watch.
