Xaxti Masala
Jitters over CM’s post-poll outbursts
Manoharbhai’s outbursts and his taunts directed against certain opponents for working against the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls seems to have not gone down well with some of the Catholic faces supporting the saffron brigade. Sources said some of the Catholic MLAs sounded a worried lot, considering the damage such outbursts can cause to the goodwill they earned over the last two years and their very political career. They appeared apprehensive of the political fallouts after they received negative feedback from their supporters and close aides back home in their constituencies, especially over the CM’s tirade against Gujarat-based Priest Fr Cedric Prakash. They contended that there’s no need to rake up the past since curtains had come down on the election, more so when the BJP has won both the Lok Sabha seats and have come to power at the Centre with a bang. One of the MLAs from Xaxtidom feared that such attacks would only create ill will and leave them with no face to approach their constituents and religious leaders, who, they conceded, had played a vital role behind their victory against the Congress in the 2012 Poll. Hope better sense prevail.
Navelim debating Luizinho’s return
The Lok Sabha election result has kicked up a debate of sorts in Navelim constituency – whether the result will herald Luizinhbab’s return to Navelim. The AICC general secretary had been steadfast in ruling out his return to Navelim or in Goan politics given his busy schedule in Delhi and the North East. But, the Lok Sabha result may open the doors for the former five-time MLA to make a return to his home constituency, which he had nursed for well over 20 years before Kumpar Churchillbab ended his innings in 2007. Both the Avertan and Churchill camps in Navelim are believed to be closely monitoring Luizinhbab’s movements in the constituency. They suspect that the former CM may now not say no to his return to Navelim post Lok Sabha result. That the Congress managed to outwit both the BJP candidate backed by Avertanbab and Churchillbab’s Trinamool Congress by securing a handsome lead of 2000 votes should reassure Luizinhab and his supporters in Navelim that the situation may be ripe for him to make a comeback. Luizinhbab’s blue eyed boy and Navelim Block Congress President Conceissaobab says it’s too early to say anything about the Assembly polls due three years from now, but concedes that the road to Navelim is indeed clear for his mentor. Are Avertanbab and Churchillbab aware of the changing ground reality?
Mickky‘s sombre cabinet dream…
Flamboyant GVP supremo Mickkybab sounded calm and composed after Manoharbhai disclosed plans to effect a reshuffle only after September. The CM’s announcement must have certainly come as a surprise to Mickkybab’s supporters, who were expected his induction in Manoharbhai’s cabinet post Lok Sabha poll. And, it’s still unclear whether the Nuvem MLA will find a place in the Cabinet as and when the reshuffle takes place. Mickkybab, however, has preferred to wait and watch as he insists on the “promise” made by Manoharbhai before the Lok Sabha. He does not specify clearly whether the chief minister had promised to induct him in the Cabinet or reward him with a plum posting. But, Mickkybab is ready to wait for the CM to honour his promise. Mickky’s detractors, on the other hand, say the flamboyant MLA has little options at his disposal in the event he does not find a place n Manoharbhai’s cabinet. Sources say with NaMo at the helm of affairs at the centre and MaNo firmly in the saddle in Goa, those left out in the cold in the political scheme of things may have little option than to resign to their fate, at least for the moment. Any doubts?
Churchill’s double whammy
Varca strongman, Bab Churchill is perhaps passing through a difficult phase these days. Even as he was struggling to come to terms with the huge Lok Sabha poll defeat, came the shocking news from the football arena, as his football team – his heart and soul – is being shown the red card. Unlike the past when his fortunes fluctuated between sports and politics, this is perhaps the first time when Churchillbab is down in both politics and sports. His team’s appeal has so far not found favour and the family now pins its hopes on the AIFF Committee to save Churchill Brothers Sports Club from an exit from the I-League. Sources said that like many an ardent football lover, brother Joaquimbab, who once held the reigns of the football team, has come to Churchillbab’s rescue. It is learnt that Joaquimbab accompanied his elder brother to the Majorda residence of their family friend and lawyer, Adv Radharaobab before the team filed its appeal before the appellate authority. Joaquimbab is also learnt to have given a tip or two on the upkeep of the team’s accounts and is even believed to have spoken to his friends and well wishers in Delhi, Kolkatta and Mumbai in support of the family team. The football fraternity indeed keeps their fingers crossed.
Vijai off to Europe
The saffron dispensation may finally get a respite from the regular barbs from Independent MLA Vijaibab. It’s not that there’s a thaw in relations between the Fatorda MLA and the saffron brigade. But, it’s simply because the Independent MLA will fly to Europe with family for a holiday after a gruelling election campaign. Vijabab has been maintaining low profile ever since his handpicked candidate Reginaldbab got a drubbing in South Goa. What made matters worse for him is that he could not ensure a lead for Reginaldbab in his very own bastion in Fatorda. Vijaibab was indeed looking for a big break and he has finally decided to fly to Norway with family this week. Sources said that his close friend from Taleigao, Babush was initially supposed to join him on the Europe tour, but that has not been confirmed till date. The Congress leadership may certainly expect Vijaibab to persuade Babush to drop the idea of floating a new regional outfit if at all the Santa Cruz MLA accompanies him on the tour. Vijaibab is expected to return by the month end, as he promises to return with vigour to take on Manoharbhai both inside and outside the Legislative Assembly.
