After lying low for some time, PWD Minister Digambar Kamat appears to have bounced back into the political spotlight. The reason is not difficult to find. Sensing the growing public anger over inflated electricity bills and the installation of smart meters, Digambar managed to stem what was shaping up to be a wave of agitation against the ruling party and the government. Almost overnight, he has emerged as a hero among consumers aggrieved by soaring power bills and penalties. The fact that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was left with little option but to endorse Digambar’s stand on the issue has further enhanced the latter’s political standing. Any questions?
Kamat makes a case for waiving load penalties
While defending his demand to waive the penalty imposed on consumers for increasing their power load, PWD Minister Digambar Kamat questioned how citizens could be penalised in a country governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His reasoning was straightforward: people do not opt for a higher power load unless their standard of living has improved. He argued that as the country progresses under PM Modi’s leadership, citizens are naturally inclined to enjoy modern conveniences in their homes. Penalising them, he argued runs contrary to the development associated with the Modi era. Does Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar have anything to say on the matter?
Without Damu, BJP faces its toughest test in Fatorda
Political observers are trying to figure out how the BJP plans to nominate a candidate in Fatorda against Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai, especially if State BJP president Damu Naik is expected to travel across Goa to help the party achieve its ambitious target of winning 30 seats. After all, Damu has been the BJP’s face in Fatorda for nearly two decades. He won the constituency twice before suffering three successive defeats at the hands of Vijai Sardesai. As things stand, no prospective candidate appears to be emerging or being groomed by the party leadership to take on the Goa Forward chief in 2027? Any questions?
Vijai’s Statewide birthday campaign raises eyebrows
Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai is set to host a grand birthday celebration at the SGPDA grounds on Sunday. Preparations are in full swing, with a massive hangar erected at the venue to shield guests from the monsoon rains. What has surprised political observers, however, is the appearance of birthday banners not only across Fatorda and Salcete but in several parts of the State. The widespread publicity has fuelled speculation in political circles about the larger political messaging behind the celebrations and what Vijai’s next move might be. Wait and watch.
A big responsibility: Congress hands Yuri the steering wheel
Days after being appointed Chairman of the Congress Campaign Committee by the party high command, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao is bracing up to launch the “Goem Rakhon Yatra.” The yatra assumes significance as it comes amid indications that the Congress leadership has given Yuri the green signal to lead the party into the upcoming Assembly elections. The responsibility is enormous, but so are the potential rewards. Political observers are already asking what recognition or position the party high command may offer Yuri should he successfully lead the Congress to victory in the next Assembly polls. Wait and watch.
