The people’s foundation stone programme for the Fatorda parking plaza has left many a question unanswered. One, why did the Urban Development Ministry cancel the foundation stone laying function to be presided over by Minister Vishwajitbab Rane at the eleventh hour? Was it because Margao MLA Diggu was away in the UK? Or, did realisation suddenly dawn on the ruling dispensation that the privilege of laying the stone would go to Fatorda MLA Vijaibab Sardesai in the event Vishwajitbab does not make it to the programme. Fatordekars now have another query to ask – will work on the parking plaza commence after the people’s foundation stone ceremony or will the government lay the official foundation stone after Diggu’s return from abroad. Wait and watch.
With Kamat & fly in UK, Malbhat was quiet on MLA’s birthday
With Congress-turned-BJP MLA Diggu on a vacation in the United Kingdom with family members, Malbhat was relatively quiet on the MLA’s birthday earlier this week. Unlike the past, Malbhat went without the midnight celebration on Baba’s birthday. The BJP-ruled councillors, however, kept their date with their Baba over video conferencing. When the ruling city fathers were all holed up in the Margao Municipality, they took their turns to greet Baba over the phone. Civic chief Damubab Shirodkar is believed to have later played host by hosting a lunch for the ruling group of councillors as part of Baba’s celebrations. Any questions?
Ex-Benaulim AAP coordinator cleared to head Cong block
Will former Benaulim Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) coordinator Rosario Fernandes head the Benaulim block Congress? Well, Rosario’s name to head the Benaulim Congress block was reportedly cleared at a meeting of party workers at the district Congress office attended by party Benaulim in-charge, Eversonbab Vales and others. Rosario along with former AAP leaders from Benaulim, including Rodneybab Almeida, had all quit the party after former AAP State chief Elvisbab Gomes had resigned from the organisation. Wait and watch.
BJP workers wonder whether it’s worth taking rivals head on
Post-Diggu’s return to the party fold, realisation seemed to have dawned in BJP circles in Margao and Fatorda, whether it’s worth taking political rivals head on. Congress-turned-BJP MLA Diggu, they say, is a case in point. And, not to mention Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai, who enjoyed a brief honeymoon with the saffron brigade. Workers recall how they had a running battle with Diggu since the time he quit the BJP in 2005. Diggu is back in the party and those who had locked horns with the MLA find themselves at the wrong side of power. In Fatorda, BJP workers recall how party workers were literally told to lie low in the constituency after Vijaibab brought back the BJP to power in 2017. Any questions?
Sardinha’s ‘humiliating’ act puts Congress leaders on back foot
The storm kicked up by South Goa MP Francisbab Sardinha after he sent back a differently-abled person for reporting 10 minutes late for a three-wheeler distribution programme seemed to have pushed Congress leaders on the back foot. After the social media went hammer and thongs against the MP and the Congress, senior leaders have been flooded with phone calls from workers, warning the party’s image may take a beating on the episode if the damage is not controlled on priority. Sardinhbab, who was away in Chennai, has returned home. Wait and watch how the MP and the Congress leaders wriggle out of the embarrassment.
