The Goa Forward Party may find itself at the crossroads. Consider this. Party supremo Vijaibab Sardesai went to town this week to rule out the possibility of joining the Pramodbab Sawant-led dispensation or merger of the regional outfit into the BJP. That’s not all. A couple of days ago, Vijaibab had come out clear to announce the Goa Forward is not contesting the Lok Sabha polls. This brings to the fore the future of the regional party. None other than the wily Vijaibab knows for sure that it may take years for the party to build its base to win 21 seats to form a government of its own. There’s still time to go for the 2027 Assembly election. Vijaibab enjoys a love-hate relationship with the Congress leadership. And, after his unceremonious exit from the BJP government in 2019, Vijaibab may be treading a cautious path in doing business with the BJP. So what’s next on Vijaibab’s agenda? Wait and watch.
Will KTC bus stand ground
accommodate 50,000 chairs?
Guess what’s the expected crowd turn out at the Viksit Bharat rally at the sprawling Margao KTC bus stand grounds on February 6, to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi? Well, when Chief Minister Pramodbab Sawant had first descended at the Margao bus stand to explore the feasibility of the ground to host the PM’s rally, it was announced that the rally would be attended by around 20,000-25,000 people. After a review of the arrangements earlier this week, the CM has now stated that around 50,000 people are expected to attend the rally. The moot question remains unanswered – will the KTC bus stand ground accommodate 50,000 chairs or will arrangements will be put in place at adjoining grounds with mega screens to screen the PM’s rally. Sounds interesting, isn’t it?
All eyes on Digambar’s role
in mobilising crowd for rally
The last time PM Narendra Modi descended at Margao to kick off the National Games at the Nehru stadium, he had greeted Cong-turned-BJP Margao MLA Diggu with a remark “kaisa ho Maharaja? Indeed, Diggu was very much pleased with the PM’s compliment, even reminding that he shared a close rapport with Modi during his stint in the BJP and when he was presiding over the power portfolio. The PM is returning back to Margao on February 6. Many say Diggu will have a major role to play not only in giving his inputs for the mega rally, but to mobilize his supporters from the lanes, by-lanes and basties for the mega rally.
Is Pilarnekar eyeing govt
position post retirement?
At his felicitation by the Margao Municipal Council before he finally retired from service voluntarily, Director of Municipal Administration Gurudasbab Pilarnekar pointed out that he would pursue literature after his retirement. In the same vein, however, the outgoing DMA, also stated that he will not shy away from taking up responsibilities assigned by the government. Strange it may seem, more so when Pilarnekarbab has opted to retire voluntarily, raising speculations whether he has set his eyes on a statutory government position expected to fall vacant in the coming months. Wait and watch.
Babitabai's name for MMC vice
chairperson's post comes with catch
Following the resignation of Margao civic deputy chief Deepalibai Sawal earlier this week, the BJP-backed councillor husband-wife duo of Sadanand and Babita Naik have come under focus. Even as Cong-turned-Margao MLA Diggu is keeping his cards close to his chest on Deepalibai’s successor, Babitabai’s name has started doing the rounds in the corridors of the civic body as the next MMC vice chairperson. There’s, however, a catch. If Babitabai is nominated by the ruling BJP for the vacant post, sources say husband Sadanandbab, who had set his eyes on the coveted Chairperson’s post, will have to sacrifice his ambition. Wait and watch as civic chief Damubab Shirodkar may stay put in office for the time being in the unfolding situation.
