As the track doubling agitation returns to the centre stage, questions are now being raised whether the Congress turncoats — Minister Digambarbab Kamat, ex-Minister Aleixobab Sequeira, and Sankalpbab Amonkar — along with Independent MLA Reginaldbab Lourenco had had ever taken up the issue with Chief Minister Pramodbab Sawant. With anti-coal activists still entangled in court cases, there is growing curiosity about whether these MLAs had, at any point, urged the CM to withdraw the cases. For, it is apparent the Goa Police is seeking further investigation into the historic 2020 Chandor agitation. This assumes significance, as Digambar, Aleixo, Sankalp, and Reginaldo were among the prominent faces of the midnight agitation at Chandor in 2020. Any questions?
Kamat makes promising start, vows smoother roads
It was a week when newly-inducted PWD Minister Digambarbab Kamat took over the reins of the department in style, flanked by his close aides from his home turf Margao. Contrary to social media buzz that the PWD budget may have been exhausted before the portfolio landed in his lap, Diggu began his new innings as Minister—after a gap of 13 years—on a confident note. He has promised to tap into his rich administrative experience as former Chief Minister and Power Minister to provide much-needed relief to commuters grappling with potholed roads. Wait and watch.
Viral Modi praise clip haunts Cong hopeful Chirag Naik
Praise showered on Prime Minister Narendrabai Modi by Chiragbab Naik in the run up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls has come back to haunt the young Margao-based businessman. Now in the Congress and tipped to be the party’s nominee against heavyweight PWD Minister Digambarbab Kamat, a video has surfaced and gone viral on social media showing Chiragbab openly backing PM Modi during the 2024 LS elections. The origins of the video remain unclear, but it has certainly become a weapon for his detractors—especially those critical of the Amit-Yuri duo who inducted him into the party. You know why?
All eyes on LoP as Cuncolim debates second plant shed
All eyes are now on Leader of the Opposition Yuribab Alemao as the Cuncolim Municipal Council prepares to deliberate on a highly controversial agenda on September 9—the proposal to build a massive shed to house the second fish meal plant in Cuncolim. With the BJP-backed panel in the minority, and the Council under the influence of the Opposition leader, Cuncolkars expect Yuribab and his team to not only oppose but outright reject the proposal. The people are clear: they do not want another fish meal plant, whether inside the Cuncolim Industrial Estate or beyond. Any questions?
Damu’s birthday bash set to draw crowd beyond Fatorda
What’s lined up for BJP State chief Damubab Naik’s 53rd birthday this weekend? Political watchers haven’t forgotten how Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai celebrated his 55th birthday in grand style at the “We for Fatorda” grounds on June 14. If sources are to be believed, Damubab is gearing up to host an equally impressive bash at the sprawling Samrat Garden, near Ravindra Bhavan on September 6. With his position as party chief, supporters and well-wishers from across Goa—not just from Fatorda—are expected to descend in full force. Wait and watch.
