Vijai ‘abstains’ during Lent
It’s an open secret that this Independent MLA observes the Lenten season of penitence and abstinence. Like many a devout Catholic, Fatorda MLA Vjai Sardessai too abstains from consuming alcohol during the 45 days of Lenten period. This is mainly attributed to his Christian friend circle, than having anything to do with the appeasement of minorities. What, however, must have taken many a Catholic aback was the presence of the Fatorda MLA at a retreat in Fatorda. Vijai was spotted amongst the hundreds of Catholics participating in the retreat conducted at the Fatorda Church last week. Vijai is believed to have attended one full session and was engrossed in the preaching of the Word of God. That’s not all. The preacher, who conducted the retreat, prayed especially for the Fatorda MLA for his public mission of serving the community, as the religious congregation came on the eve of the month long Budget Session of the Goa Legislative Assembly. Vijai has no qualms of attending the retreat nor abstaining from consuming liquor. Sources close to him says that Vijai also observes the month long Shrawan in the run up to Ganesh Chathurti. It is not known whether Vijai is religious to the core or not, but he was spotted visiting temples, Churches and Chapels post Assembly polls for thanksgiving for favours granted. In a season where the saffronites are looking up to further cement ties with the minorities, Vijai’s presence at a Christian congregation should not come as a surprise even to the saffron brigade.
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All eyes on Joaquim Alemao
Manoharbhai has completed one year in office earlier this week. The period also marks the decimation and rout of Congress heavyweights in Xaxtidom. While Churchillbab has opened his Navelim office in January, nothing is heard about younger brother Joaquim in Cuncolim. Joaquim had vowed to make a return to Cuncolim after one year. His supporters say that it’s a year now since last year’s Assembly polls brought about a parivartan in Goa in general and Cuncolim in particular. Unconfirmed sources says that Joaquim has decided to renovate his office – shut down ever since the Cuncolim electorate rejected him after serving them for two terms. This despite Joaquim’s oft repeated stance that he has ushered in the development of the constituency. Well, after staying away from the constituency for a full one year, Joaquim has plans to make a comeback. But, his supporters have no idea when the former two-time MLA would make his presence felt in Cuncolim. Sources say that Joaquim may finally kick off his come back plan in the first week of April when the Congress block is scheduled to have a meeting. His supporters are anxiously waiting for Joaquim and so are his detractors and opponents – who put him in the dock over his “outsider” status. The same group of opponents, who made matters worse for him during the poll campaign, are bracing up for another round of battle with Joaquim. They say the disruption of the tiatr attended by Joaquim was just a trailer. Watch out for this space.
Diggu, Vijay ~The MMC kingmakers
Diggu and his Fatorda counterpart Vijai might have stayed away from Margao Municipal politics over the last one year. Especially, since Arthur took over the Civic reigns after last year’s parivartan brought the BJP back to power. But, the duo might have suddenly realised that they have become the most sought after persons vis-à-vis Margao Municipal politics. Many say the Diggu-Vijay combine will hold the key and decide the fate of beleaguered Chairperson Arthur and election of a new chairperson, presuming that the duo still maintain their hold on the nine opposition Councilors. It is learnt that the pro and anti-Arthur camp have sent feelers to both Diggu and Vijay to discuss the Municipal leadership imbroglio, besides seeking their blessings. The duo is believed to be weighing various options whether to support the Arthur-hatao campaign or back his continuance in the hot chair. Incidentally, Vijay seems keeping his cards close to his chest and is not willing to disclose his mind on Arthur’s continuance, while political players prefer watching the ongoing game of numbers. And, they have a genuine grievance. They say that Arthur is changing colours so fast that no one knows about his loyalties, so much so, they say in a lighter vein that Arthur has even changed the colour of the Municipal building. For, he is often seen with Vijai at road hot mix inaugurations, and enjoys close rapport with BJP’s Bhai Nayak and would loose no opportunity to call on Manoharbhai when the CM is in the city. Meanwhile, MMC vice-Chairperson Pratima is tom toming in the town that she has honoured her word to step down from office after 11 months. Guess the political heavyweight who goes around towns and villages tom toming that he had voluntarily given up the CM’s kodel after a few days. No reward for the right answer.
Cong, a divided house in Navelim
The Congress appears in total disarray in Navelim. With Lok Sabha polls less than a year away, no one knows for sure the state of affairs plaguing the party in the constituency.
The Navelim block Congress is led by Conceissao Piexote – a close aide of Luzinhbab. On the other hand, despite his defeat at the hands of giant killer Avertan, the Varca strongman has not given up his claim on Navelim. He has re-opened his office in January, indicating that he is keeping all options open. Sources in the know say the party has not yet recovered from the shock after a large number of party workers switched sides and supported Avertan in the polls. And, the situation has not changed for the better in the last one year. Now, that Churchillbab has disclosed plans to contest the coming Lok Sabha polls on the Congress ticket, questions are raised in party circles whether the rival Congress faction will support his candidature. The same question is being asked in the Churchill camp, whether his supporters and followers will support Sardinhbab if the latter gets the party’s re-nomination. The Avertan camp may certainly try to exploit the confusion in the rival camp. For, Avertan can ill afford to allow the Congress or Churchillbab get majority votes in Navelim in the Lok Sabha polls as that would only indicate his dwindling influence and popularity in the constituency and end up in antagonizing the saffronites. Avertan knows this better than anyone else.
