It was a week when PWD Minister Digambar Kamat found himself in the spotlight, after the Margao Municipal Council’s proposal to build a “two-storied” structure in the iconic Municipal Garden sparked a storm in his own backyard. With municipal polls scheduled in May, followed by the Assembly elections just ten months later, this is hardly the kind of issue he would have wanted—especially one that has mobilized his political opponents onto the streets. All eyes are now on how the seasoned leader—who has weathered many storms over a political career spanning three decades—navigates this situation.
Row over proposed building in
garden puts focus on Chirag
It has been nearly a year since Chirag Naik joined the Congress in May last year, a move that many saw as positioning him as a potential challenger to PWD Minister Digambar Kamat on his home turf in Margao. Since then, the young businessman has been quietly building his presence—reaching out to people, participating in community events, and engaging with locals in his own way. The Margao Municipal Council’s controversial two-storied structure proposal within the iconic Municipal Garden appears to have brought Chirag into focus, drawing the attention of Madgavkars to key civic issues. His hunger strike opposing the project has further elevated his profile. It remains to be seen how he capitalizes on this momentum in the run-up to the 2027 Assembly elections.
Growing bonhomie between Damu
and Urfan evident during Eid
The “bhai-bhai” camaraderie between BJP State president Damodar (Damu) Naik and Goa Haj Committee Chairman Urfan Mulla has caught the attention of political observers. Their growing bonhomie was once again evident during Eid celebrations, where the BJP leader extended traditional greetings to Urfan. Earlier, at an Iftar gathering, the Haj Committee Chairman had openly backed Naik’s presence in the Goa Legislative Assembly in 2027, highlighting his potential role in state politics. What’s behind this emerging closeness? Observers are left wondering if a shared political adversary—Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai—might be the common link.
Pratima backs Rahul against
remarks made by BJP's Kangana
Hazard a guess who had come to the defence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi against remarks made by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut. It was social activist Pratima Coutinho, who stepped forward strongly rejecting the claims. Drawing on her experience as a former president of the Goa Youth Congress and Mahila Congress, Pratima spoke highly of Rahul, dismissing the allegations outright on social media. Interesting isn’t it.
Viriato and GF leader spotted in
Delhi beating heat over ice cream
Here’s something that may interest readers. The passage of the budget and the abrupt curtailment of the Assembly session seemed to strain the Congress–Goa Forward Party alliance. Yet, in an interesting twist, Congress South Goa MP Viriatobab Fernandes and Goa Forward general secretary Durgadas Kamat were recently spotted together at Khan Market in New Delhi, beating the heat over ice cream. A photo shared on social media by the Goa Forward leader quickly became a talking point in political circles, sparking speculation about possible alignments and realignments between leaders of the two parties. Raises a few questions, doesn’t it?
