With a change of guard finally taking place in Karnataka, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tendering his resignation, questions are once again being raised within Goa Congress circles over how the party High Command will address the leadership issue in the State unit. The Congress camp opposed to GPCC chief Amit Patkar is expected to intensify its “Amit Hatao” campaign in the coming days. On the other hand, Patkar’s supporters have reportedly conveyed to the High Command that there is hardly enough time to effect a leadership change with Assembly elections only months away. As a possible compromise, a section is believed to have suggested the appointment of a working president to steer the Congress through the polls.
Shivakumar buzz raises new questions in Goa Congress
A question doing the rounds in Congress circles is: which faction within the party would benefit if D K Shivakumar eventually takes over as Karnataka Chief Minister? Those searching for an answer may realise that Shivakumar is among the few politicians perceived to be on good terms with leaders across the political spectrum. Sources recall that on the eve of counting during the 2022 Goa Assembly elections, Shivakumar had reached out to Varca strongman Churchill Alemao, Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai and others in a bid to shore up numbers in the event the Congress fell short of a majority. Sources say Shivakumar has carefully nurtured ties not only within the Congress, but also with leaders in rival camps. Any questions?
ST unity rings in political advantage for Tawadkar
The coming together of Scheduled Tribe leaders on Prerana Day is expected to further strengthen the ST movement in the State. Bitter rivals until recently, Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, former Minister Govind Gaude and UTAA chief Prakash Velip shared the stage earlier this week in a rare show of unity. The bonhomie, political observers believe may ring in good news for Tawadkar. A divided ST house, many say, was not in the interest of Tawadkar and his ambitions of playing a larger role in State politics. With his Shram Dhan housing project now spreading across Goa, Tawadkar is increasingly being seen as a leader with growing influence among the tribal community. Any questions?
BJP eyes political gains from ST unity show
The saffron brigade may certainly try to capitalise on ST leaders’ unity on the Prerana Day ahead of the Assembly elections. The reason is not difficult to understand. The ST community has traditionally formed part of the ruling dispensation’s support base, barring the occasional drift towards rival parties. A divided tribal vote bank was never in the BJP’s interests, especially at a time when reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in the Goa Legislative Assembly is under active discussion. Chief Minister Pramodbab Sawant, who attended the Prerana Day event, appeared fully aware of the political significance as he announced a slew of welfare measures and schemes aimed at ST upliftment. Any questions?
Navelim political rumours gather pace around Cipru
Is former three-time Navelim ZP member Ciprubab Cardozo likely to be the Congress candidate from the Navelim Assembly constituency in 2027? Political circles are certainly abuzz with speculation. Cipru is said to be part of the Congress G-8 group, whose members are widely tipped as probable party candidates for the next Assembly polls. Sources also point out that he has been increasingly visible across the constituency, interacting with locals and stepping up grassroots outreach — moves many interpret as early groundwork for a possible 2027 bid on the Congress ticket. Any questions?
