Guess the politics behind the seamen’s pension scheme, which was introduced by former Chief Minister late Manoharbhai Parrikar after his return to power in 2012? Well, seamen say this is perhaps the only scheme with no permanent status, but on an extension mode. It is a sheer coincidence the seafarers pension scheme had lapsed in October 2019 months after the BJP failed to retain the South Goa Lok Sabha seat in the 2019 polls. By extending the scheme by another three years, seamen say the scheme will remain in force only till 2026, when the State will be bracing up for the 2027 Assembly polls. Interesting, isn’t it?
Did Tagore come to broker truce among warring Cong factions?
What was the exact agenda behind AICC Goa Congress observer Manikam Tagore’s visit to the State earlier this week? Was it really to gear up the party for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, or was his visit in any way intended to bring a truce amongst the warring factions in the State Congress, battling to wrest control of the party? Well, Tagore’s visit indeed came at a time when reports did the rounds in Congress circles and outside that the party has initiated disciplinary action against some of the party functionaries after the uproar in the Congress House during the hearing of disciplinary proceedings. Wait and watch.
Yuri gets the better of saffron brigade in Cuncolim civic body
Opposition Leader Yuribab Alemao seemed to have got the better off the saffron brigade as he protected his fort from crumbling in Cuncolim with ease. At a time when the BJP is going great guns in breaking parties not only in Goa, but across the country, Yuribab has not only protected his fort from crumbling, but managed a split in the BJP camp in the Cuncolim civic body. An overcautious Yuribab not only took his flock to an unknown destination in the run up to the election for the Cuncolim civic chief, but political observers suspect his hidden hand behind the absence of two BJP councillors for the crucial election, leaving the BJP camp stranded with just three votes in the 14-member Cuncolim Municipal Council. Any takers?
Game of one-upmanship over Tolleaband inhabitants’ safety
Marooned migrant inhabitants staying at Tolleaband-Benaulim were left to wonder earlier this week when politicos jostled to reach out to them in the game of one-upmanship. First, Benaulim MLA Venzybab Viegas descended on the banks of the swollen Tolleaband water body to issue instructions to the authorities to keep a vehicle standby to evacuate the marooned inhabitants to a safe place when occasion arises. Next day saw Warrenbab Alemao making his presence felt at Tolleaband with life jackets for the inhabitants. How the inhabitants are expected to react in a flood-like situation “ take the vehicle to safety or equip themselves with the life jackets? Any questions?
When school children thanked the rain and CM for holiday
Thank you rain, thank you CM, exclaimed many a school children after the government declared a holiday for educational institutions on Thursday following a red alert. As there was no respite from rains on Thursday at many places, young children thanked the rain for giving them a holiday. And, they did not forget to thank Chief Minister Pramod Sawant as well, who also holds the Education portfolio for the decision by Education officials to declare a holiday. Any takers?
