Babush is back in action in the City Corporation of Panjim. So are his close pals from Xaxtidom ~ Vijai and Reginaldo. The duo was amongst those who flashed the victory signs after Surendra’s election as Mayor. It’s not at all surprising to find the Vijai-Reginaldo duo in the company of Babush. But, what should come as a surprise is that the duo was seen with the Santa Cruz Congress Legislator after a pretty long, long time. Both Vijai and Reginaldo may dismiss all talk of any realignment of forces in the State. But, the threat held out by Babush to reduce the BJP’s size in the Assembly to 15 must surely come as welcome news for the Fatorda and Curtorim MLAs – who together have taken the might of the mighty Manoharbhai both inside and outside the Assembly. Coincidentally, while the duo flashed victory signs at Surendra’s election, they said thumbs down in Xaxtidom to an invitation by MLAs supporting the ruling combine to travel to the Legislative Assembly on Bullet motorcycles. Sources said Avertanbab is believed to have personally invited Vijai to join them on the motorcycle rally, starting from the Cortalim junction. But, the willy Vijai turned down the offer. He stayed away from the rally on the excuse that he has to air dash to Mumbai. But, sources said the Fatorda MLA was very much in town on Friday, though he was conspicuous by his absence in the House. He has no grievance against Avertanbab, but appears deeply hurt over the way he has been treated by the BJP combine. Well, as news of the motorcycle rally trickled in Xaxtidom, questions were raised whether the MLAs had their heads protected with helmets during their long ride to the Assembly. Manoharbhai and Sudinbab should surely have the right answers.
Filipe Neri has a challenger next door
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Like many a defeated Congress political heavyweight, former Velim MLA Filipebab may be also nursing ambitions to make a political comeback. Despite his defeat, Filipe never stopped ‘donations’ to those in need of financial aid. At the Congress block meeting held at his residence, Filipe said his doors are always open for party workers and even those who switched sides during the elections. But, Filipe may suddenly realise that the house next door is also thrown open for Congress workers and functionaries. Congress general secretary and two-time Zilla panchayat member and Filipe’s next door neighbour Joe Dias appears to have firmly set his eyes on the party ticket. Joe, whose wife Sabrina is a sitting ZP member, is believed to have conveyed a message to Filipe’s close aides that he too is in the race for the party ticket. Towards this end, Joe is believed to have used his position as Congress general secretary to fill up the party positions with his own men left vacant by desertions during election time. And, he is believed to be going about his work with the blessings of PCC and DCC office bearers, hoping that Rahul Gandhi would reward him for party work. It’s, however, unknown whether Joe will go all out to snatch the party ticket. And, it’s also unclear why Joe is eying for the Assembly polls four years away when the ZP elections are due within two years. Both Joe and Filipe have together faced and won many a political battle for the Congress. Will they cross swords over the Congress ticket? It’s too early to comment. But, is Joe willing to give up the ZP seat held by him and his wife since the creation of the Zilla Panchayats, in his quest for the Assembly ticket? Well, only time will tell.
No holds barred battle fought for MMC dy chief post!
Elections for the insignificant post of Margao Municipal vice chairperson turned out a no holds barred contest. Candidates and their cronies used all tricks in their arsenal to woo the members. Both the camps were accused of flaunting the caste and religious cards. So much so, that even North Goa based leaders of
Girish surprises saffron brigade
City saffronites seem to have not taken into account of “Girish” factor during the tug-of-war to organise the Margo shigmo. Even during Diggu’s five-year stint as chief minister, the Dambab-led opposition organised the shigmo festivities under the banner of Madgao Shigmotsav samiti. But, for the first time in nearly half-a-decade, the Dambab faction cannot celebrate the festival under Madgao Shigmotsav Samiti banner — this is despite the fact that Manoharbai is ruling the state after a gap of seven years. No doubt, the government has constituted its committee headed by Dambab and Sharmad. But, they are forced to hold the festivities under the banner of Madgao Shigmotsav instead of Madgao Shigmotsav Samiti. The reason is not far to seek. Girish Chodankar and others from the rival panel approached the doors of the judiciary for justice on grounds they are the original Samiti, having already completed 25 years of existence, prompting the government to give an undertaking that it will hold the Margao shigmo festivities through its own panel. When Girish approached the High Court with a petition, it took the rival panel completely by surprise. Girish, who is holed up in
