Will it be Sardinha again?
It was a week when two heavyweight Congress aspirants virtually backed out from the race for the South Goa Lok Sabha ticket. Arch political rivals and kumpars – Luizinhbab and Churchillbab – have publicly declared their intention not to contest the ensuing polls, throwing up the question whether the road is finally clear for the sitting Congress MP Sardinhbab for South Goa, or whether the Congress leadership is still scouting for a new face for the seat. Well, congressmen in the know would agree that nothing is final in the Congress till the very last, especially when it comes to candidates’ selection. But, the Sardinha camp is bubbling with confidence over his likely re-nomination with the kumpars quietly withdrawing themselves from the fray. In fact, it was a sheer coincidence that Luizinhbab and his bête noire Churchillbab publicly announced their decision to withdraw from the race. Luizinhbab called up the local media from Delhi to convey the news that his pre-occupation with party work in the North East does not permit him to delve in local politics. This should hopefully sound music to the ears of the Sardinha camp, which saw Luizinhbab virtually emerging as a strong contender for the south Goa ticket, with the backing of section of party MLAs and leaders. The moot question, however, remains – whether the party would finally settle for the sitting MP or will still scout for a fresh face. Wait till mid-March for the answer.
Making way for his daughter
It was a week when the Churchill disclosed his intention to withdraw his claim for the Congress ticket for South Goa. But, his offer came with a rider, that the Congress should consider ladli Valankabai’s candidature for the MP ticket. Congress insiders say that Churchillbab had never been a serious contender for the seat. And, party observers say that Churchillbab is equally aware that Valankabai cannot be the party nominee for South Goa this ensuing election. So, what has prompted the strongman to come out with Valankabai’s name for the South Goa seat. Well, this is not the first time that Churchillbab has projected his ladli for the Lok Sabha. Remember, last time round, Churchillbab had made a determined bid to get the Congress nomination for Valankabhai, before the Monseratte’s and Lourenco’s played spoil sport, clearing decks for Sardinhbab. Sources say that Churchillbab’s game plan appeared to be simple — create some space for daughter to pursue her dream of making it to the Lok Sabha and concentrate himself in local politics. Churchillbab is believed to have firmly set his eyes on Benaulim. His political detractors accuse him of counting days for Caitubab’s disqualification to make a political comeback.
Is it a real turnaround?
Just a month ago, it appeared that everything was over between Goa Vikas Party supremo Mickkybab and Chief Minister Manoharbhai. The flamboyant Nuvem MLA had even demanded Manoharbhai’s head holding him responsible for the Canacona building tragedy. But, it now seems that all is not lost between the two leaders. And, those who raised doubts about GVP’s continuance in the alliance government might have to do a re-think at least for the moment. For, the government virtually went on a foundation stone laying spree in Nuvem with Mickky in tow. And, Friday saw Manoharbhai personally coming down to Verna to inaugurate a bridge and distribute tablets to school students. Both Mickkybab and Manoharbhai were seen shaking hands and huddled together during the visit, indicating a turnaround in their relationship. So, what actually facilitated a turnaround in the strained relations between the two leaders. Well, sources in political circles believe that GVP general secretary and Mickkbab’s former personal assistant Lyndonbab might have played a role to bring about a rapprochement between the GVP supremo and the saffron dispensation. Lyndonbab continues to preside over the Goa Meat Complex as its chairman and is believed to be enjoying close rapport with Manoharbhai and his dispensation. Manoharbhai has also sounded sympathetic towards the GVP supremo. Indeed good news for the saffron brigade from Xaxtidom in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls.
Fatorda bracing up for ‘Fat Saturday’
Carnival revellers from Xaxtidom and outside may be disappointed with the news that Joaquimbab has no plans to revive his Fat, Fat Saturday carnival dance at Varca. In fact, it’s now official that the Fat, Fat Saturday carnival dance will not take place for the second year now. But, there’s good news in store for the revellers from Fatorda. While Joaquimbab has said bye, bye to Fat, Fat Saturday dance, his close friend Vijaibab is working on a plan to usher in the Carnival festivities on Saturday by holding Big Fat Fatorda carnival bash. Vijaibab had last year revived the Adieus Carnival in his constituency and has now chalked out plans to host the carnival festivities in a big way. Sources say the Independent MLA has plans to rope in the best of DJs from the country. He must be certainly banking on his close pal Marquiesbab to arrange a couple of Bollywood celebrities to grace the occasion. And, unlike last year, Vijaibab can this time certainly bank on Manoharbhai to take care of the policemen, who had literally gate crashed into the Adieus Carnival venue to stop the show. Viva Carnival!
