Potshots without the firepower
It was exactly a year ago that Manoharbhai had suspected a massive Rs 30 crore scam in the PWD works undertaken in Navelim and Benaulim during Churchillbab’s tenure. He had made the startling disclosure during his visit to Navelim, so much so, the CM had disclosed plans to institute a probe and had stopped payments to contractors pending the probe. Nothing has been heard about the probe and its findings till date, or, about the recovery of the huge amount. A year later Manoharbhai was in Xaxtidom this week, this time in Carmona upon an invitation from his trusted lieutenant, Caitubab. No doubt, the CM preferred to take pot shots at the Varca strongman over the money spent on development works in the village. But, one could sense the absence of firepower when Manoharbhai took the dig at the Varca strongman. And, neither did he make any mention about the fate of the Rs 30 crore scam and the outcome of the probe. Surprisingly, the CM showered lavish praise on the Carmona panch members for the beautiful Panchayat Ghar building, without realising that it was Churchillbab who had sanctioned the Panchayat Ghar during his tenure as RDA minister. Carmona is not far away from Varca and Churchillbab and his cronies must have certainly kept a watch on what’s happening right in his backyard. Sources say that Manoharbhai made his presence felt in Carmona despite his tight schedule. And, the visit comes against the backdrop of covert and overt moves by the Alemao’s to get the Benaulim MLA disqualified. Indeed, the CM’s visit is seen as an attempt by the saffron brigade to send a message loud and clear that the dispensation is solidly behind the beleaguered MLA.
Good luck board posting?
Will the Village Khadi Board bring good luck for the political career of first time MLA Benjaminbab. Well, the low-profile Velim legislator had to be content with the Khadi Board as a reward from Manoharbhai for rallying behind the saffron dispensation post-2012. He hardly had any option than to accept the chairmanship of the Khadi board, even as his independent counterpart and his close friend from neighbouring Navelim got the red beacon from the saffron brigade. But, Benjaminbab need not now worry about his political future. For, Art and Culture Minister, Mandrekarbab thinks and believes that the Khadi Board, which is dubbed as insignificant in the political scheme of things, has proved lucky for political figures who had presided over the board affairs. The art and culture minister was in Velim constituency during the weekend as Benjaminbab’s guest and he deemed fit to publicly declare that the Khadi Board would never let down the Velim MLA, politically. He cited his own instance how the Khadi Board has propelled him to scale greater political heights. And, he also made a reference to former Velim MLA Manubab, attributing his long political innings, again to the Khadi Board. Whether the same luck would smile on Benjaminbab remains to be seen. Incidentally, Fatorda’s Monicabai too had presided over the Khadi Board before Benjaminbab took over the reigns after the 2012 Parivartan. It’s not known whether the Khadi Board had helped her political career in any way
Forced to beat a hasty retreat
It was a week when Manoharbhai’s Mission Salcete threatened to go off track over the RSS convention in Xaxtidom. Ever since the minority dominated area lent a helping hand to bring about a Parivartan in the state two years ago, Manoharbhai had been assiduously trying to build bridges with the minorities and earn their goodwill. He must have succeeded in this mission to a large extent, but all that threatened to fall apart like a pack of cards as the RSS and Navelim farmers battled it out over the convention venue. Leave alone Manoharbhai and the saffron dispensation, the row landed right at the door step of the Navelim MLA Avertanbab as farmers left the issue to be resolved by their MLA. Avertanbab knew for sure that the issue had the potential to bring down his political fort as well. So, he is believed to have sent an SOS to his commander Manoharbhai to bail him out of the situation and protect not just the agricultural fields, but his interest as well. The saffron dispensation, which got its machinery to give permission for the convention, realised belatedly that any slip over the convention will send a wrong message not just in Navelim and Xaxtidom, but to the minorities across the state. The saffron dispensation could ill afford to bulldoze its way over the issue ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. That explains why the saffron brigade was forced to beat a hasty retreat, with the RSS finally being content with an adjoining place.
Much welcomed appointment
The exit of Subhashbab from the top Congress post literally brought cheers amongst his detractors in Xaxtidom. Luizinhbab’s trusted aide Motidad, who is believed to have not stepped in the Congress house during Subhashbab long stint in office, welcomed Johnbab’s appointment as Congress chief with open arms. Motidad even told the media that John’s appointment will clear the way for the Congress to win both the North and South Goa Lok Sabha seats. Though an Independent, Fatorda MLA Vijaibab did not lag behind either. He too welcomed the appointment of the former Rajya Sabha MP for the coveted post. Sources say that Congress workers in Xaxtidom are still trying to figure out the leaders from the taluka, who had thrown their weight behind John, who got the better off leaders such as Reginaldo and Agnelo. Reginaldbab says he did not lobby for his candidature, but at the same time knows for sure that his candidature did not find favour with leaders such as his bête noire Sardinhbab and friend turned foe, Churchillbab. Meanwhile, the change in guard in the GPCC has raised questions whether the high command will follow suit and fill up the vacant post of Mahila Congress president.
