ST factor back in politics
The ST factor is back at the centre stage of Fatorda politics. People like Camilbab, who were aligned to Fatorda MLA at election time have now raised the bogey of ST reservation in Fatorda constituency. Whether they will succeed in the mission or not will be known before the next elections, but the fact remains that clear attempts are being made to galvanise the ST community under single banner. Their reasoning is simple: the ST community, which was a force to reckon with in Fatorda, is now relegated to the background in the last three elections. Where would be the campaign to unite the STs leave incumbent Fatorda MLA Vijaibab and his predecessor Damubab? Well, the weekend function of the ST community at Fatorda organised by Camilbab saw Damubab making a brief presence at the programme, pledging his support to the community. The emerging development seems to have had an echo at the Dovondem bandh – the residence of the Fatorda MLA. Sources said Vijaibab is ready to accept the gauntlet not only from his detractors, but from Damubab as well. In fact, he has dared Damubab to accept the demand for political reservations for the ST community in Fatorda, promising to get elected a ST community candidate of his choice from the constituency. Any takers?
It was a Sunday when Diggu’s close aides were found in a belligerent mood when Congress leader Chellaji descended on Margao. Diggu appeared calm and composed as usual as he seated on the dais alongside Chellaji, while his aides did the talking. They fired salvos after salvos at the AICC secretary, demanding to know the action the party leadership has initiated against those who tried to sabotage Diggu’s election. No doubt, Diggu tried to intervene to stop his supporters from airing their grievances, but his aides were simply unstoppable. They directed their ire at the Rane’s, Godinho’s, the Coutinho’s, Tamankar’s and all and sundry and protested at Diggu being neglected in the scheme of things. Chellaji wriggled himself out of the embarrassing situation in his own way. But, Diggu’s detractors, however, seem unconvinced that everything happened at the spur of the moment. They say that everything was stage managed by the Margao MLA to avenge his isolation and humiliation at the hands of party leaders. The Pratima camp, in particular, says that Diggu is known for playing such politics. The no nonsense Pratima has hit back at Diggu, and is believed to have earned kudos for her bold attack on Diggu. There seems no end to the factional feuds in the Congress.
It was a week when Joaquimbab gave final touches to the wedding reception of daughter Raiza at the Blasco Executive, Navelim scheduled on November 7. He had a meeting of his supporters from Cuncolim constituency to chalk out the reception arrangements. And, thanks to his PA Assizbab, a large number of his supporters turned out at the Blasco Executive beyond everyone’s expectations. Emotionally touched by the presence of his workers, Joaquimbab announced his comeback plan in Cuncolim constituency. In fact, the former two-time Cuncolim MLA, who has been playing hide and seek in Cuncolim, since his defeat at the hands of BJP’s Rajanbhai, has not made his presence felt in the constituency in a big way. Last month, Joaquimbab was spotted in the Chandor area of the constituency, presiding over the football finals. It’s unknown whether Joaquimbab is making his a re-entry into Cuncolim from the Chandor-Guirdolim villages – which had shifted their allegiance to young lawyer, Johnbab in the 2012 polls – costing the former Urban Development Minister dearly in terms of votes. Indeed, a well planned political strategy.
Anti Diggu-Vijai forces seem to have got the better of the two MLAs in Margao Municipal politics.
The two MLAs, who once called the shots in the civic body, now appeared completely relegated to the background. Diggu, in particular, was rattled by the political turn of events in the civic body. He is sore that his detractors had once accused him for not giving his nod to oust Arthurbab from office. And, he now appears upset that the very City Fathers, who were demanding Arthur’s ouster, have joined hands with the former chairperson, to keep his group in the civic body at bay. You know the Councillors Diggu is hitting at. Both Diggu and Vijai are aware of the fact that not only Arthur, but their common detractors like Pratimabai, now control the affairs in the civic body. The Diggu-Vijai duo is believed to be facing another challenge of sorts in the Civic body. Relationship between the two MLAs and MMC Chief Officer Deepalibai has hit the rock bottom. A fuming Vijaibab is believed to have not taken kindly Deepalibai’s style of functioning. This may sound music to the ears of the saffron brigade, which has no say in the numbers game in the civic body.
