Many an eyebrow was raised in Xaxtidom over their stoic silence when the saffron juggernaut rolled out from Ponda a week ago. To the shock and surprise of Xaxtikars they uttered no word on the raging controversy kicked up by Ram Sene’s Muthalikdada. But, Manoharbhai’s altar boys seemed to have finally saw reason to raise their voice against Muthalikdada and Sudinbab. Apparently, they saw the writing on the wall as Muthalikdada’s pot shots at Goan culture and the minorities did not go down well with people in Xaxtidom. Fisheries Minister, who is in the eye of a storm over the Brazil world cup tour, was the first to speak out his mind against the Ram Sene chief. His detractors may accuse him of taking a stand against Muthalikdada to deflect the public anger and attention on his world cup tour. But, it was Caitubab, who literally got down on the streets to take on Sudinbab. Sources said the Benaulim MLA got the opportunity to attack the PWD minister on a platter. For, it is learnt that Sudinbab had repeatedly cold shouldered public works proposals mooted by Caitubab in his Benaulim constituency. It’s still unclear whether the delayed reaction of Avertanbab and Caitubab came after they discussed the issue with Manoharbhai. Congressmen appear closely watching the emerging developments. They feel the ongoing public tamasha is nothing but a family affair in the ruling combine, with Sudinbab and the Avertano’s and Caitu’s being all part of Manoharbhai’s dispensation. Any doubts?
Where are you Mickky on Muthalik?
Flamboyant Goa Vikas Party supremo Mickkybab seems to have preferred to maintain silence over the Muthalik-Sudin episode. His silence is all the more baffling given his recent outbursts against religious leaders for their tirade against him and all those who supported the saffron brigade. And, Mickkbab’s stance appears puzzling since he had in the past taken pot shots at the Manoharbhai dispensation for going slow on banning Ram Sene’e entry into Goa. But, that was the time when he was Manoharbhai’s bitter critic. Much water has flown down the River Sal since then and the GVP chief is now part of the saffron combine. In the Lok Sabha poll, Mickkbab had gone all out to support the BJP in his fiefdom. And, the Nuvem MLA had been waiting for Manoharbhai to honour his promise to reward him with a Cabinet berth for supporting the saffron bandwagon. That’s not all. He had blamed the UPA government for the I-T raids on his residence and business. And, he must be certainly awaiting the Centre to take a call and undo the ‘injustice’ done to him. Mickkybab apparently believes in the good old saying “Silence is golden.”
Murky business in Cong
Even as the mystery surrounding Reginaldbab’s candidature may continue to haunt the Congress for a long time to come, it has now come to light that the same people who propped up Reginaldbab had initially toyed with the idea of propping up former Navelim Sarpanch Bishut Themudo for the Congress ticket. It is learnt that Bishutbab’s candidature was given a serious thought as an alternative to Sardinha. Bishutbab is not new to politics having been the former Sarpanch and enjoys a relatively long stint with politics and sports. That the offer received a cold shoulder from Bishutbab is another thing, but sources said that even the intelligence officials had contacted whoever that matters in the Congress seeking feedback on his candidature. Incidentally, the very same group have now recommended Bishutbab’s name to head the South Goa district Congress in place of Subhashbab who had come under the scanner during the Lok Sabha polls. Now you know for sure the people who worked overtime behind the scenes to push Bishutbab’s candidature – first to checkmate Sardinhbab and then to dislodge the district Congress president. No reward for the right answer.
Aires forays into Xaxtidom
It’s been a fortnight now since Airesbab travelled all the way from Ribandar to Xaxtidom to take on Vijaibab’s friend turned foe, Margao Municipal Chairperson Gonzacbab. He has firmly denied that his friendship with the Fatorda MLA has anything to do with his demand seeking Gonzacbab’s resignation. And, to prove a point that he was not in Xaxtidom on Vijaibab’s brief, Airesbab said that many a sarpancha along with Gonzacobab have come under his scanner for many a wrongdoing. But, Vijaibab’s detractors are not ready to buy the argument. They wonder why Gonzacobab has become a target after moving away from the Vijai camp when the so called illegal structures in road widening area were existing all these years. And, Vijaibab, who has returned a fortnight long tour of Europe, has washed off his hands from the Gonzaco-Aires tangle. What’s interesting to note is that another Vijai’s close aide turned foe, MMC Councillor Joseph Silvabab strongly suspects that vested interests have now sought RTI information on his liquor business. What a sheer coincidence?
PI Sudesh weathers transfer storm
It was a week when Margao Police station in-charge PI Sudesh appeared firmly in the saddle. When the government effected transfers of PIs, the transfer list did not contain the name of the Margao PI. Sudesh along with PI Gurudas Kadam were posted at Margao and adjoining Maina Curtorim police stations around two years ago. While Kadam had got the posting through his close friend Avertanbab, Sudesh, sources said, had made it to Margao through his saffron friends, and with the blessings of Fatorda’s Damubab. While Kadam is now shunted to distant Canacona, Sudesh remains firmly in the saddle. You know why.
