From ‘badshah’ to villain
He earned the wrath of Madgavkars for patronizing migrants ~ even earning himself nickname of ‘badshah’ of Moti Dongor. His writ ran large over the hillock and his stranglehold ensured a complete sweep on the hilltop. But, with the Sword of Damocles hanging over their head, the migrants, who till recently sang praises of the badshah, are now seeing him as a villain. Call it a tactical move or otherwise, the residents have publicly dumped Diggu for leaving them in the lurch. They are now singing praises of Navin Raikar for helping them to move the High Court and stay the demolitions. Now, sources say, Raikar is an executive member of BJP’s Margao mandal. This low-profile BJP worker, however, enjoys close rapport with the party’s bigwigs. It is learnt that he had briefed Manoharbhai’s brother how to go about saving the structures. With Raikar rallying behind the beleaguered residents, it’s anybody’s guess where will this leave the city’s saffronites who once left no stone unturned to demand clean up of Moti Dongor. Are the saffronites not coming out in support of rehabilitation fearing a backlash from their core vote bank in Aquem, Malbhat and Comba. Or are they trying to gauge the public sentiments before taking a final call. Anyway, what’s at stake at Moti Dongor are not just the 273 households facing the axe, but 2,000-plus votes. Both Diggu and the saffronites know this better than anyone else. The game of one-upmanship has just begun.
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It can’t be politics this time
It was a week when Fatorda MLA Vijaibab made his presence felt at the Margao police station with his trusted lieutenant Ramnathbai in tow. His visit was in no way connected with any inquiry with the loud music episode on the last day of Carnival festivities. Nor did his visit in any way relate to any demand for an inquiry against the police sub-inspector who played spoil sport at the festivities. When the Fatorda MLA made his appearance in the cabin of station in-charge PI Sudesh Naik ~ who is perceived to be close to Dambab ~ the latter got up from his chair and greeted the MLA. It later transpired that Vijaibab had come to the police station to ask a favour for one of his supporters. The supporter had sought Vijaibab’s intervention to request the police to take his ailing brother to the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour. The Margao PI had no hesitation in promising the MLA that his job will be done. Vijaibab now claims that the police not only took the ailing man to the mental hospital, but his supporter as well. His supporter had to spend an entire night at the mental hospital, before he called Vijaibab and narrated his ordeal. But the Fatorda MLA, however, appears convinced there’s no politics behind the episode.
The plaque will say it all
What’s in a name, they say! There’s indeed a lot, when it comes to politics and politicos. Consider this. Avertanbab is celebrating his birthday on February 28. And, Manoharbai is leaving no stone unturned to present a perfect birthday gift to his ministerial colleague. First, Manoharbai agreed to inaugurate the imposing district collectorate building coinciding with Avertanbab’s birthday. This was evident by the strict instructions issued to District Collector Agrawalji to expedite all works on the district collectorate before the said date. Now, sources said the government may consider Avertanbab’s name on the plaque on the day of the inauguration. The file, sources say, recommending the names of Manoharbhai, his deputy Francisbab and Avertanbab have gone to the government from the District Collectorate for approval. While it is almost certain that Avertanbab’s name will find mention on the name plaque, nothing is heard on the names of Margao’s first citizen Arthurbab, local MLA Vijaibab, and not to mention Diggu. The controversy had its echo at the Dovondem bandh ~ Vijaibab’s official residence. It’s over five years now since both Vijaibab and his bête noire Dambab are locked in a battle to claim credit for development works in Fatorda. The Collectorate building falls in Fatorda and the foundation stone was laid by Diggu when Dambab was the local MLA. Was this the main ground to restrict the names on the plaque to just three VIPs ~ the answer will be out by February 28.
Cowed down by circumstances
Bail and not jail, says the legal maxim. But, Varca strongman made everyone to believe that he would prefer going to jail instead of seeking bail if the government goes after his blood. He even thundered that he would not seek anticipatory bail come what may. But Churchillbab has a strong sixth sense and that sense drove him to knock the doors of the judiciary for anticipatory bail. He says that circumstances forced him to go for bail after the Colva police summoned him on a Saturday to record his statement in the Chennai tourist murder case. He was aware that a non-bailable crime in the Varca road digging case was pending against him at the Colva police station. So he turned to his long-time and trusted friend Radharaobab for legal aid, who advised him to move for bail as an arrest on a Saturday meant no bail during the weekend. Churchillbab is not taking any chances now with Manoharbhai’s police registering two cases against him in a space of just one month, besides interrogating him in the PWD scam. The Varca strongman has now engaged a battery of lawyers to defend him. Meanwhile, he celebrated his wedding anniversary at his Varca residence on Wednesday. His close supporters lined up to extend their greetings. Margao Civic chief Arthurbab was conspicuous by his presence with a flower bouquet to wish Churchillbab and Fatimabai a happy wedding anniversary.
