Strongman for Lok Sabha
Is there any winnable and better candidate other than me for the Congress party to contest the 2014 polls from South Goa? Varca strongman, Bab Churchill posed this query before the state Congress leadership headed by the one and only Subhashbab. The GPCC chief might have called the meeting of defeated heavyweights to enlist their support for party candidates in the coming polls. But, Churchillbab used the platform to project himself as a party candidate for the coming polls. His query has certainly raised eyebrows over Churchillbab’s political plan. Well, after lying low for a year and half, Churchillbab is gearing himself with some political agenda. He has ensured the unceremonious exit of Benaulim block congress chief Edwin to pave way for his aide David to take over the reigns. Sources said the Varca strongman has now got in touch with his supporters in Xaxtidom, and is believed to be reviving old contacts across South Goa. He is also spotted frequently visiting his Varca office in recent days. His adversaries might say that Churchillbab stands no chance when names of sitting MP Sardinbab and the Varca strongman’s kumpar, Luizinbab are doing the rounds in Congress circles. But, rest assured, Churchillbab’s name will figure in the list of four probable candidates, before the high command takes a call.
CM, Vijai cozying up?
Many an eyebrow was raised in political circles when Manoharbhai visited Fatorda a couple of months ago with Independent MLA Vijaibab in tow. Both Manoharbhai and Vijaibab were then quick to defend their presence, saying their coming together was aimed at ushering development in the constituency. Much water has flown down the river Sal since then and the Independent MLA seems going closer to the CM with each passing day and month. In the past, Manoharbhai used to get party cadre to accompany him in Fatorda. But, the CM now seems making it a point to invite the Independent MLA when his presence is considered necessary. This became apparent earlier this week when Manoharbhai descended at the SGPDA market, which also saw the presence of Vijaibab along with Manoharbhai’s bitter critic Reginaldbab. Sources in the know now say that Vijaibab was telephonically informed by the CM to be there in the market with him during his visit. Vijaibab obliged and immediately rushed to the market to be right there on time. Notwithstanding repeated denials, Vijaibab is even believed to be enjoying easy access to the CM. Vijaibab, beware. The Congress is closely monitoring your movements.
Can BJP find a Matanhy for South?
It’s an election year and it’s not uncommon to find our politicos coming under the scanner of anyone and everyone. Well, Manoharbhai was in Xaxtidom this week when he descended at the SGPDA market to resolve the row kicked up over the demolition of a religious structure. When he found the popular UGDP face Anacletbab taking up cudgels for the market vendors for additional space for the religious structure, Parrikar posed a pointed question to the city-based lawyer: Are you eyeing on the coming Lok Sabha polls. Taken completely by surprise by Manoharbhai’s query, Anacletbab, however, was quick to deny any plans to contest the 2014 polls. He said he has no political plans at this age and his association with the market vendors was only aimed at fighting for justice. Many an eyebrow, however, has been raised over Manoharbhai’s query to the UGDP leader. For, the last time round, it was late Matanhybab who had contested the south Goa polls on the UGDP banner, polling sizeable votes in the bargain, after eating into the Congress votes in Xaxtidom. Is the saffron dispensation looking out for a candidate in Xaxtidom, capable enough to spoil the Congress applecart? The coming 2014 Lok Sabha polls is likely to be a no holds barred contest. The saffron brigade’s hunt for a spoiler appears to have just begun.
Moves to dislodge Piexote?
It was a week when Churchillbab has got the GPCC chief dislodge Benaulim block congress president, Edwinbab from the post. But, will he now train his guns on the Navelim block committee president Conceissao Piexote from the post, is a question doing the rounds in Navelim congress circles. It may not be easy going for the Varca strongman if at all Piexote figures on his hit list. It’s an open secret that Piexote enjoys close ties with AICC general secretary Luizinbab. The Navelim Congress chief had in the past battled the Churchill camp when the Varca strongman presided over the powerful PWD portfolio. That’s not all. Churchillbab’s covert and overt attempt to bulldoze his way and get Piexote replaced as Navelim chief had come a cropper in the past – thanks to Luizinbah’s support and backing. Unlike Edwin’s case, the Churchill camp may not raise the bogey of anti-party activities against Piexote. For, the Navelim chief had made his presence felt at Churchill’s stage during the Assembly polls. And, he has been found prompt in holding meetings of the Navelim block during his tenure. Any cause for action against Piexote, Subhashbab?
