Taking on Manoharbhai
The weekend saw the Varca strongman coming well prepared to take on Manoharbhai head on. Perhaps for the first time in recent times, Churchillbab came with a written statement to demolish charges levelled by the Chief Minister. Apparently, he wanted to put the records straight before the people. But, along the way, Churchillbab blew hot and cold. His body language indicated that he was hurt by Parrikar’s allegation on bogus certificates and wanted to call spade a spade. But, somewhere down the line, he stopped taking the battle to its logical conclusion. He termed Manoharbhai a dictator, but did not stop showering praises on him either. And, he then directed his ire at Diggu, demanding an explanation from Manoharbhai for leaving the Margao MLA scot-free. He called both Manoharbhai and Diggu two sides of the same coin. What he actually meant to say was that the both Manoharbhai and Diggu belong to the same upper caste. And, the Varca strongman asserted that he, Ravibab and Narvekarbhau would have by now landed in jail were they involved in the mining scam. On a parting note, Churchillbab reminded the media that he had been in jail and would not be cowed down by Manoharbhai’s threats to put him behind bars. He even said he is ready to go to jail again ~ in the very same jail built during his tenure as PWD Minister. Is Manoharbhai listening?
Is Goemkar really flying high?
Goemkar chief Vijaibab must be a worried man. When Goemkar had a meeting at the tourist hub of Mobor-Cavelossim, the turnout was below expectations. Vijaibab could not control himself when he publicly expressed his displeasure over the turnout. As he could not find many a stakeholder dependent on the tourism industry, Vijaibai directed his ire at an MLA having a Portuguese passport. Without naming anyone, he demanded to know why the MLA with Portuguese passport is silent on Mopa. Vijaibab’s diatribe is understandable as office bearers of Goemkar feel that the MLA was responsible for stopping many a tourism stakeholder from making it for the meeting. Incidentally, Goemkar’s second meeting at Raia was also below expectations of the Goemkar supreme. The ongoing movement, sources said, has made some of the Xaxti MLAs introspect on the likely fall out of the anti-Mopa campaign in their constituencies. An MLA is even believed to have sought Manoharbhai’s advise how to handle Goemkar in Xaxtidom. Manoharbhai’s reply, sources said, was simple. The CM feels Goemkar will soon get grounded once Vijaibab is tired and exhausted after seven-eight meetings. But, Vijaibab has something up his sleeve. Wait for the curtains to come down on the Carnival festivities before Goemkar takes a flight to the North. Guess, Goemkar’s next destination.
Making a mark with birthdays
When it comes to birthday celebrations, no one can beat Xaxti’s politicos, especially the ministers and MLAs. If the Alemaos and Pacheco showed the way by throwing lavish birthday parties for their supporters, the new lot of politicos from Xaxti’s countryside seems to have not lagged behind. If Mickkybab threw a lavish birthday on the Betalbatim football grounds coinciding with 12-12-12, Benjaminbab’s birthday bash on the Ambelim football ground drew thousands of his supporters, besides a host of VVIPs led by Manoharbab and Arlekarbab. Caitubab too had thrown a birthday bash for his supporters, which saw Manoharbhai and his cabinet colleagues driving down to Xaxtidom to wish the birthday boy. Well, sources in Navelim now say the birthday of Salcete’s lone minister is scheduled later this month. And, Avertanbab is believed to have begun the preparations in right earnest. But, unlike other politicos, the Navelim MLA has plans to celebrate his birthday at his Sinquetim residence. It’s Avertanbab’s first birthday after he emerged the giant killer by defeating the Varca strongman. His aides are working overtime to ensure that Avertanbab plays a perfect host. But, those following the Lenten season of fasting and penance may suddenly realise that Avertanbab’s birthday falls during Lent. Praise the Lord.
No power, no Carnival for Joaquim
The Alemaos are politically down and out. So is mining and Goa’s economy. But, did these factors have a fall out on the cancellation of the traditional Fat Fat Carnival dance hosted by Varca sports club headed by Joaquimbab? For the second successive year, Carnival revelers will find that Varca will not play host to the Fat Fat Saturday dance. Last year, the dance could not take place because of the election code. But Joaquimbab says the economic slowdown has prompted him and his club to cancel the traditional dance. He says that tourism is also down and that sponsors are not coming forward to support the activity, leaving him no option but to cancel the dance. Surprisingly, Mickkybab is hosting a two-day Carnival grind at Betalbatim. Going by the huge list, it appears that Mickkybab has managed to tap a host of sponsors for the event. Co-incidentally, the economic slowdown seems to have not affected flamboyant Goemkar supremo Vijaibab either. The Fatorda MLA has drawn up plans to celebrate Adieus carnival dance in his inimitable fashion – by invitations and without charging the guests. Viva Carnival!
