Friends-turned-political opponents – Goa Forward chief Vijaibab Sardesai and Congress-turned-BJP Margao MLA Diggu were the cynosure of all eyes at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao earlier this week. Many who attended the World Elders Day programme saw the duo engrossed in a conversation along with Minister Subhashbab Shirodkar, leaving many a citizen to wonder whether the duo, who were not on talking terms for a long time, have mend fences. It’s a sheer coincidence that the duo was seen together at a time when one hasn’t heard fireworks from the Goa Forward chief directed against Diggu. Any questions?
Former Chief Justice Rebello to aid activists in legal battles
Former Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court, Justice (Retired) Ferdino Rebello’s plans to offer legal assistance and advise to activists and NGOs waging a sustained battle to protect Goa, its land and heritage, may ring in good news for the activists on the ground. Activism is not new to Ferdinbab given his close association with many a socio-political movement witnessed in the State in the 70s and 80s before his elevation as a High Court judge. A fighter to the core, Cuncolkars may look forward to Ferdinbab for guidance how to put an end to pollution plaguing the Cuncolim Industrial Estate in his home town Cuncolim. Wait and watch.
Former top cop’s role in preventing communal violence still resonates
He must have retired from the Goa Police couple of years ago, but former Superintendent of Police, Umeshbab Gaonkar is still remembered in Margao and Saxtti countryside. Reason: With communal tensions raising its ugly head in the State and the police role being questioned in many quarters, those in the know recalled how Umeshbab Gaonkar had nipped the communal tensions in the bud with a heavy hand when he was presiding as the DySP, Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Margao over a decade ago. Umeshbab and his men led by then PI Rajendrabab Prabhudesai, had come down on miscreants with a heavy hand when attempts were made to target the minorities in the commercial capital through violence. Any questions?
Rising communal tensions amid land protection campaign
The communal tensions in some parts of the State make reading interesting. For, it’s a strange coincidence that when the people’s brigade is building momentum to protect Goan land, with the epicentre at Sancoale, the State is hit by communal tensions. Beginning with the Julus and now on the issue of DNA raised by Subhash Velingkar, Niz Goemkars have been left to wonder who is stoking the communal tensions when the people have been bracing up for an unprecedented movement to protect Goem and its people. Indeed time for introspection?
Aleixo’s confidence in action against Velingkar baffling
What exactly did Saxtti lone Minister Aleixobab Sequeira meant to say when he exuded confidence that the government would initiate action against Subhash Velingkar for his remarks against St Francis Xavier? For, Aleixobab did not agree to a question from a scribe that the government has been maintaining stoic silence on Velingkar’s utterances. He, however, exuded confidence that the government would initiate action against Velingkar, throwing up a question or two whether the Saxtti lone Minister had discussed the matter with CM Pramodbab Sawant before making the statement. Wait and watch.
