Where is this Alemao laadli?
Where is Valankabai? Well, no one has heard anything from Churchillbab’s Ladli in recent months. Her silence is deafening, especially when dada dear has set his eyes on the coming Lok Sabha polls. It’s also significant because uncle Joaquimbab is bracing up to return to Cuncolim from next month, while cousin Yuri has made his way to head the NCP youth wing and is raring to once again make his presence in Sanguem. So what’s Valankabai really upto? her friends and foes are asking. Has she quit politics or is her silence a deliberate attempt to maintain low profile politically in Benaulim constituency? Well, readers may recall that Valankabai had announced after the election results that despite the defeat she would continue to play a role in politics. And, Valankabai says she has neither quit politics nor have any such plans in the immediate future. She admits that she has been maintaining low profile, but hastens to add that she has been keeping in close touch with her constituents. And, she appears bidding for the right time to make the right move and make a return to politics. Her disqualification petition against Caitubab is pending in the High Court. Her petition is not only praying for the disqualification of her bête noire, but to declare her elected as Benaulim MLA. Is Caitubab keeping a track of what’s cooking at Varca? For the moment, Caitubab’s reign prevails over Benaulim.
Who spoiled Vijai’s party?
Vijaibab played a perfect host to his supporters during the Adieus Carnival festivities before the cops played spoilsport. Liquor flowed like anything at the SGPDA grounds. Sources said around two cases of Black Label whisky was consumed at the venue and the flamboyant Fatorda MLA was in no mood to cap the festivities, before the police made their presence felt. He had no idea that Manoharbhai’s cops would descend on the SGPDA grounds and spoil his party. But, what took Vijaibab completely by surprise was the tough posture adopted by the police at the SGPDA grounds. Despite his pleas, the cops led by a PSI invaded the stage and unplugged the sound system, infuriating the MLA. The PSI’s body language conveyed a message to the MLA and his supporters that he meant business. Vijaibab’s supporters sought to remind the PSI that the person he was talking to was an MLA, but the no-nonsense police officer remained unmoved. Vijaibab cried foul, terming the men-in-uniform as Manoharbhai’s chamchas. This is the second time after the Narkasura competition that Vijaybab has suffered police brunt. Under whose instruction was the police acting? No prizes for the right guesses, but Dambab might have been pleased with the police action.
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Avertanbab in line for a perfect gift
Will Manoharbai inaugurate the District Collectorate on Avertanbab’s birthday on February 28? The CM has served a deadline on District Collector Agrawalji to expedite work on the building to ensure it is inaugurated on Avertanbab’s birthday. Many say this will be the perfect birthday gift from Manoharbhai to the Independent Navelim MLA who not only cut short Churchillbab’s innings in Navelim, but joined hands with the saffron dispensation. Both Manoharbhai and Avertanbab share a close relationship and the Chief Minister may not let down his close friend and colleague on his birthday. Avertanbab was present at the new Collectorate Building when Manoharbhai was reviewing the work. And, the Navelim MLA made no secret of the moves to expedite the work on the building so that it is inaugurated on his birthday. Well, with the first deadline of January 26 going for a toss, Manoharbhai was not ready to publicly commit himself on the building inauguration on February 28. He was also unhappy with the functioning of the building elevator and literally pulled up the administration for the episode. Manoharbhai will have to grapple with another ticklish question of names on the plaqueat the opening of the building. For, news is doing the rounds in the District Collectorate that the government is not inclined to include too many names on the plaque. Right now, the names of Manoharbhai and his deputy Francis stand confirmed. Will the administration make room for more names of VIPs, including the first citizen Arthurbab, local MLA Vijaibab and the architect of the project, Diggu. Only time will tell.
New event management guy in town
Has flamboyant Mickkybab ventured into event management? Well, the Bresources headed by him as its CEO, which was into manpower recruitment, besides tours and travels, has added event management to its portfolio. His first venture was the Carnival Grind 2013 in his home village Betalbatim. Mickkybab must have been pleased with the success of the event. The Nuvem MLA says he is no stranger to organising events, claiming that he had hosted many an event abroad. But, here in Goa, he now runs the risk of being accused by his detractors for making forays into event management to make money. But, Mickky has a ready reply for all these accusations. He says the proceeds, if any, from the shows would go towards charity.
Well, ministers, MLAs, zilla members and not to mention councilors and panch members will agree that donations and sponsorships take a huge toll on their bank balance. And, Mickkybab’s case is different despite being part of the ruling dispensation. No doubt, Mickkybab’s Goa Vikas Party is supporting the Parrikar regime, but he is yet to be rewarded with a ministry or a corporation till date. Reports that he will be accommodated in a new corporation has also not materialised yet. And, if Mickkybab is to be believed, he has planned another major event around May. Viva Goa, Viva Mickky.
