Modi arriving on Jan 28

The BJP on Monday informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will possibly visit the State on January 28 for campaigning. Addressing the media, Union Minister MP Shripad Naik said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi will tentatively address a mega rally in Goa on January 28. The date is tentative as we have not received final approval.” 

Kejri trips on model code

The Election Commission on Monday served a show-cause notice on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal for violation of the model code of conduct in a public speech at Mapusa in Goa on January 8, asking public to take bribe for voting. Stating that his statement amounts to abetting and promoting electoral offence of bribery, the EC gave him time up to 1 PM on January 19 to explain why action should not be taken against him for the model code violation, failing which the EC shall take a decision without any further reference to him.

Dattaram is AAP's Priol man

Following Priol Independent candidate Govind Gawde being supported by BJP, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday declared Dr Dattaram Desai as their candidate in the constituency. Desai had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election from North Goa. AAP said that the Political Affairs Committee chaired by National Convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has approved Desai’s candidature. A medical practitioner in Savio Verem, Desai shot to fame in the mid-'90s when he led a grassroots movement against the Nylon 6, 6 project. 

Vijai joins Goa Forward

Independent Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai resigned as member of the State Legislative Assembly on Monday and joined Goa Forward to contest the February 4 polls on the party symbol. With his resignation, the strength of the State Assembly has been reduced to 33.  Addressing media persons after formally joining Goa Forward, Sardesai said the elections would be a referendum, where Goans will vote in large numbers to oust BJP from power. “Goans are capable of strategic voting and this election would be a second opinion poll, where people will vote against the political policy where Goa had become a colony of Delhi,” he said. Sardesai confirmed the seat adjustment formula with Congress.