His masterstroke through Goemkar
Vijaibab finally launched his Goemkar with much fanfare from Margao’s historic Lohia Maidan. The independent MLA might have tried to convey a message that Goemkar is apolitical, but the offering of something or the other for all regions and all sections of the Goan society, indicated otherwise. Indeed, Goemkar’s political agenda is loud and clear ~ it intends to occupy as much space as possible on Goa’s political map. Vijaibab wants to take off from Dabolim, apparently to reach out to the people of South Goa, including the tourism stakeholders ~ shack owners, small hoteliers and tourist-taxi operators ~ a la Churchillbab style. But, his agenda is not restricted to Salcete or Mormugao. He wants to make its presence felt in the mining belt and Mayem as well and also take up the Regional Plan and the controversial Khazan Development Board ~ issues dear to the heart of Goans. So, what exactly Vijaibab is upto? An Independent MLA knows for sure that he cannot forever win elections by contesting as an independent. He was anxiously looking out for a forum to pursue his political agenda and Goemkar may serve his purpose if he has buried all plans to return to the Congress fold. But, Goemkar has an immediate task at hand ~ to win the trust and confidence of niz Goemkars. Vijaibab knows better than anyone else.
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Sending the wrong signals
Goemkar’s grand launch from the Lohia Maidan sent confusing signals taking into consideration the presence of people seated on and off the dais. A handful of present and former Zilla Panchayat members seated on the dais, sources said, owed their allegiance to the Varca strongman. That’s not all. Churchillbab’s younger brother Ciabro was spotted with his aides outside the Lohia Maidan listening attentively to the speeches. But, those who believed that the meeting had the element of Churchill factor had to soon think twice. For two of the prominent speakers, Adv John Monteiro and Prasad Gaonkar ~ turned out to be the very same candidates who played spoil sport to the Alemao’s in Cuncolim and Sanguem assembly constituencies. Interestingly, Goemkar’s platform was shared by Congress leaders as well. Congress minority leader Saifulla Khan and other small-time Congressmen were seated on the dais. Congress MLA, Reginaldbab was spotted along with Congress general secretary Joebab near the Lamarina hotel. And, not to forget Congress spokesman Sudip Tamankar, who made a quiet entry inside the Lohia Maidan and was spotted seated near the entrance to the maidan. Surprising was the presence of Congressmen and Churchillbab’s aides for the meeting, which virtually tuned out to be an anti-Manoharbhai affair. Sardinhbab also came in for some flak. Goemkar’s flight has just taken off. Watch out for this space for its landing.Mystery behind Damu’s quitting
This MLA spoke with his gun
It’s not uncommon to find sturdy built bouncers providing security to our MLAs and ministers. There are no two opinions on how they misbehave and act in a high-handed manner with the common man. This honourable member of the Legislative Assembly got a bitter taste of bouncers at a discotheque at Colva last week. The MLA, if sources are to be believed, even pulled out his gun and went after the bouncers at the discotheque. This time, the bouncers are believed to have beat a hasty retreat as the no-nonsense MLA meant business. The ruckus created by the MLA triggered a terror in the discotheque. Sources said trouble started when the bouncers had a tiff with the MLA’s guests in the discotheque. When the MLA was informed about the behaviour of the bouncers, he is believed to have rushed to the discotheque and warned the bouncers with his gun. Realising the CCTV in the discotheque had captured the incident, the MLA is believed to have snatched away the footage before leaving the venue without realising that the management is still in possession of the footage. But, the bigger question remains unanswered. Who has given the bouncers the license to attack and even kill? During last year’s assembly polls, allegations flew thick and thin that many a candidate were moving around with bouncers. More recently, a police complaint was lodged stating that an MLA used his bouncers to attack his political opponent. Will Manoharbhai clarify whether there’s a parallel security system in place to make up for his inefficient cops?
Damu-Babush getting cozy?
Fatorda’s Damubab seems enjoying a close relationship with deputy Chief Minister, Babush (not the Babush from Taleigao). Twice in the last one week, Babush drove down to Margao to preside over the programs organised by Damubab. Till recently, Damubab was the vice-chairman of GSUDA headed by Babush before he was asked to quit the position. The presence of Babush in Fatorda has made local BJP workers wonder what’s that binds Babush and Damubab together. Questions arise whether Damubab is part of the camp of the deputy CM within the BJP and does not form part of the coterie surrounding Manoharbhai. Well, Damubab says his relationship with Babush spans over a decade now. Both are believed to have even travelled abroad in the past and even shared a room. And, he says his presence in North Goa with Manoharbhai’s Jana Sampark Abhiyan has nothing to do with rumours that he might be BJP’s prospective candidate in the North. Well, with Sripadbhau bracing up to play another innings from the north, Damubab cannot even hope of getting the party nomination. But, questions are raised as to why Damubab is roped in by the party brass in North Goa.
Voices of dissent coming from a low profile, but cadre based senior leader like Sripadbhau during his visit to Margao earlier this week, indicate that there’s indeed something amiss in the party with a difference.
