Phones did not stop ringing again of at least two Congress MLAs during the weekend even as curtains came down on the two-day training workshop for BJP party leaders and workers. If sources are to be believed, renewed calls were reportedly made to Quepem MLA Altonebab D’Costa with a fresh plea to make up his mind and at the earliest. A top businessman, sources said, is believed to have also lobbied through another Congress MLA with a plea to persuade Altonebab to quit the Congress. Any questions?
Model Margao’s health camps raise eyebrows
What’s Diggu and his Model Margao panel, that had fought the civic polls, upto? Well, Model Margao’s health-related camps in Margao constituency have indeed raised many an eyebrow. If the Model Margao began the initiative with an eye camp, a dental camp followed on the very second day in the city. Diggu and the Model Margao group of councillors were prominently seen at the camps. Take note, Congress banners and party symbols seem conspicuous by their absence.
Vijai-Digambar ties in troubled waters?
Did Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai convey to Diggu when the duo met at the inauguration of Matoli Bazaar at the KTC bus stand during the weekend that he would take on him in Margao in a by-poll? Well, the duo were huddled together for some time after the inauguration, but they are believed to have discussed kabrastan rather than politics. It’s not known how Diggu has taken reports that Vijaibab may cross swords against him and plans by the Goa Forward to set up the party’s office in Margao in the event he embraces the saffron brigade. Any questions?
Come Monday, all eyes will be on MLAs
Hazard a guess how many MLAs from Salcete countryside had fielded panels and groups in the just concluded panchayat polls. Barring Navelim BJP MLA Ulhas Tuenkar, others had simply claimed they had stayed away from the elections to the local bodies. But, come Monday, don’t be surprised if the MLAs make common cause with the village heads when the newly-elected members elect the sarpanchas and their deputies. Wait and watch.
MLAs at Handi Khuris bring back pledge memories
The presence of politicians, including MLAs at the Handi Khuris at Maina-Curtorim at the celebrations of the feast during the weekend has only brought back memories of the pledge taken by Congress candidates at the Miraculous Bambolim Cross and the Mahalaxmi Temple, Panaji in the run up to the 2022 polls. Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai, Independent Curtorim MLA Reginaldbab Lourenco, besides Congress MLA Altonebab D’Costa were spotted offering prayers at the Cross. Of the trio, Altone was one of the Congress candidates, who had taken a pledge never to defect from the party, if elected.
