Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
EDITORIAL: Why good people never get elected?
This is a question that foxes us almost everyday. When we cannot find answers we blame the process, the political party, the candidate and sometimes the electorate. But time and again the people of India have given political pundits a brilliant display of their grasp of politics while casting their vote. Yet we ponder as to why good people never get elected. Part of the problem lies in the mistaken belief that well intentioned people make good leaders. Secondly, we make the erroneous assumption that politics is driven, or should be driven by ethics alone. Thirdly, everybody has a different definition of ‘good’. Fourthly, in this debate, the practical aspect of politics tends to be ignored and at times even questioned as undesirable.
In Goa, of the many candidates in the fray, are two dedicated and thoroughbred activists – Matanhy Saldanha and Christopher Fonseca. They bear the stamp of consistency. Christopher Fonseca has been a trade union leader all his life. His commitment to the issues and problems faced by labour is unquestionable. Similarly, Matanhy Saldanha has been an activist all his life. He fought for the ramponkars, against the Konkan Railway and Meta Strips and now, protection of houses of fishermen is his main plank. Like Fonseca, Saldanha has an unblemished record as an activist. The fact is, Fonseca never got elected and Saldahna made it to the Assembly only once, which seemed more like an aberration in his innings in public life.
On the other hand look at Churchill Alemao. He survived serious charges of smuggling and resurrected himself with the Konkan Railway agitation. He led the UGDP with three MLAs in the Assembly elections, defeated Eduardo Faleiro, returned to the Congress, resigned to form the Save Goa Front which he merged with the Congress to save the Digambar Kamat government and is now blowing hot and cold because his daughter did not get the Congress ticket for South Goa. His record on fighting issues is dismal and yet he is a force to reckon with in the political arena while Fonseca and Saldanha struggle to get past the post.
Politics is the art in doing what is possible, not what is correct. It is the art of gauging the interest of the people and then going with the flow even if it means compromising on one’s personal ethics. Voters are not fools. They understand the personal cost of being public life. Hence they do not expect their leaders to be paragons of virtue and grant them the liberty of making a quick buck on the side. What they want is that their voice be heard, not your own. If the voters are fickle, the politicians will follow suit. Only those with a thick skin or those who have buried their conscience deep enough can survive in this game. Take the classic example of the Cidade de Goa amendment. Activists and public-spirited people, whose numbers are not large enough to make a political difference, were vociferous in their protest against the amendment. In contrast, a large number of people living along the coast turned logic on its head by using the amendment to demand special concessions for houses build in violation of CRZ rules. Politicians went with the larger group. Saldanha did not go with the fishermen because they were the larger group, but because the activist in him refused to abandon them.
Why is it so difficult for well-intentioned men or women to convert good will into votes? In this respect it would be wise to examine the rise and fall of Goa Bachao Abhiyan. It started as a group of informed and committed people, with no political experience. The cause was well defined and the GBA mustered the support of the people. Two years later, the GBA is in tatters, a shadow of itself and a far cry from those heady days when its leaders could fill Azad Maidan or Lohia Chowk. Now contrast this with how Digambar Kamat pushed through a Regional Plan, scrapped SEZs, reshuffled his cabinet, took hold of the key finance portfolio, contained the Alemao threat (almost), took the tough decision to banish floating casinos from the Mandovi and yet retained his government for nearly two years. The lesson to be learnt is: to be a politician one must possess the art of managing interests, not ethics. Perhaps, this election will show us if Saldanha and Fonseca have made the jump from activist to politician.
The Alemaos are pardoned,Congress says it’s a family tiff
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Downplaying the internal wrangling, GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar yesterday ruled out any disciplinary action against PWD Minister Churchill Alemao and Urban Development Minister Joaquim for their outbursts against the government.
Shirodkar likened the war of words between the Alemao brothers and Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco to that of a quarrel between two families. He said the tantrums thrown on the Congress would not have any repercussion on the voters.
Churchill and his brother Joaquim had threatened to quit the Congress if the party leadership failed to resolve the issue of disqualification petition filed against the former, even as the duo appealed for support to party candidate Francisco Sardinha.
Shirodkar said that the Alemao brothers were working for the victory of Sardinha.
Asked whether he would accept the resignations of Alemao brothers, Shirodkar said that he was yet to receive the letter.
The GPCC president said that the revamping of the Congress organisation in the last six months would yield results in the Lok Sabha elections.
However, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat who was also present said that his main aim was to win the elections. “We have gone in the battlefield with the sole intention of winning both the seats. Our aim is to see that we win both the seats with sizeable votes. My target is to win the seats,” Kamat said.
Recalling a scene from the epic Mahabharata, the Chief Minister said, “I am just aiming at the eye of the bird like what Arjun said in Mahabharata,” That is my target, he added.
PANJIM: Downplaying the internal wrangling, GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar yesterday ruled out any disciplinary action against PWD Minister Churchill Alemao and Urban Development Minister Joaquim for their outbursts against the government.
Shirodkar likened the war of words between the Alemao brothers and Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco to that of a quarrel between two families. He said the tantrums thrown on the Congress would not have any repercussion on the voters.
Churchill and his brother Joaquim had threatened to quit the Congress if the party leadership failed to resolve the issue of disqualification petition filed against the former, even as the duo appealed for support to party candidate Francisco Sardinha.
Shirodkar said that the Alemao brothers were working for the victory of Sardinha.
Asked whether he would accept the resignations of Alemao brothers, Shirodkar said that he was yet to receive the letter.
The GPCC president said that the revamping of the Congress organisation in the last six months would yield results in the Lok Sabha elections.
However, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat who was also present said that his main aim was to win the elections. “We have gone in the battlefield with the sole intention of winning both the seats. Our aim is to see that we win both the seats with sizeable votes. My target is to win the seats,” Kamat said.
Recalling a scene from the epic Mahabharata, the Chief Minister said, “I am just aiming at the eye of the bird like what Arjun said in Mahabharata,” That is my target, he added.
Brief blow to mining, Shirgao zatra rich by Rs 3 lakh
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: The Bombay High Court at Panjim yesterday directed a mining company from Shirgao to pay a compensation of Rs 3 lakh to Shree Lairai temple committee, while granting permission for conducting of mining activities till April 25, in view of the famous Lairai zatra.
The Court observed that, last year the mining activities at Shirgao had been stopped three days before the commencement of the zatra festivities and this year the relaxation was being granted to them because of a plea made by one of the mining companies. The court said that from next year, the mining activities and plying of ore-laden trucks in the village would be stopped for 10 days during zatra and directed the mining companies to plan their mining operations accordingly.
The Court also asked the mining company to pay the compensation to the temple committee latest by April 30.
On April 17, the division bench comprising Justice PB Majmudar and Justice UD Salvi had directed three mining companies from Shirgao to stop movement of mining trucks in the village for 10 days from April 23 to May 3 due to the Lairai zatra festival.
The Court had also directed the state government to provide additional water supply to Shirgao village during the 10-day zatrotsav.
The villagers from Shirgao in a writ petition had urged the Court to stop the plying of mining trucks in the village for 10-day zatra festival as it was causing dust pollution as a large number of devotees throng the village during the festival.
During the hearing, the petitioner prayed for a compensation of Rs 5 lakh while the mining company agreed to pay Rs 1 lakh. However, the Court later fixed the amount at Rs 3 lakh and told the company to pay the amount if they wanted to ply mining trucks till April 25.
PANJIM: The Bombay High Court at Panjim yesterday directed a mining company from Shirgao to pay a compensation of Rs 3 lakh to Shree Lairai temple committee, while granting permission for conducting of mining activities till April 25, in view of the famous Lairai zatra.
The Court observed that, last year the mining activities at Shirgao had been stopped three days before the commencement of the zatra festivities and this year the relaxation was being granted to them because of a plea made by one of the mining companies. The court said that from next year, the mining activities and plying of ore-laden trucks in the village would be stopped for 10 days during zatra and directed the mining companies to plan their mining operations accordingly.
The Court also asked the mining company to pay the compensation to the temple committee latest by April 30.
On April 17, the division bench comprising Justice PB Majmudar and Justice UD Salvi had directed three mining companies from Shirgao to stop movement of mining trucks in the village for 10 days from April 23 to May 3 due to the Lairai zatra festival.
The Court had also directed the state government to provide additional water supply to Shirgao village during the 10-day zatrotsav.
The villagers from Shirgao in a writ petition had urged the Court to stop the plying of mining trucks in the village for 10-day zatra festival as it was causing dust pollution as a large number of devotees throng the village during the festival.
During the hearing, the petitioner prayed for a compensation of Rs 5 lakh while the mining company agreed to pay Rs 1 lakh. However, the Court later fixed the amount at Rs 3 lakh and told the company to pay the amount if they wanted to ply mining trucks till April 25.
Parrikar takes a swipe at Congress
Rambles on price rise, black money and economic meltdown
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: With just one day before Goa goes to polls, opposition leader Manohar Parrikar has exploited South Goa candidate Francisco Sardinha's statement to the hilt.
Media reports quote Sardinha as stating that he will not visit villages in South Goa after his win but at the Collectorate in Margao to meet him in connection with any work.
Parrikar virtually termed this statement as an eye opener for the voters and Congress' vote banks, further opining that the latter are being taken for granted.
Rubbing salt on Congress' wounds, the opposition leader vowed to fulfil all promises in the BJP's current manifesto even as he drew comparisons with the party's Assembly manifesto during Assembly elections in 2002. Parrikar said the party had executed all it promises to the extent of 70 percent despite being disallowed from completing its term in office.
At a press conference, in the backdrop of Sardinha's comments, Parrikar remarked, " The attitude displayed by the Congress candidate almost takes a certain section of the voters for granted. From yesterday, I have been getting calls(from voters) conveying strong reactions from die-hard Congress workers. They have not taken this statement lightly."
Parrikar stated that, he would not to allow the Congress to take its for granted. " In case Sardinha wants the villagers to visit him in Margao, then why is he (Sardinha) going to the villages asking for votes?" questioned the opposition leader.
On the contrary, Parrikar re-iterated the BJP's commitment to its manifesto. " They(both candidates) will visit every nook and corner of the state unlike that displayed by the Congress party which takes for granted a certain section of voters," Parrikar's commented.
Explaining the issues which dominated these Lok Sabha elections in the state, Parrikar pointed out to three issues Price rise, security and economic meltdown. He spoke about escalating prices of sugar, palm oil prices and prices of tur dal, the encounters in Srinagar for the deteriorating security situation and the Swiss bank money vis-a-vis the economic meltdown.
Later, replying to questions, he said the BJP was confident of winning the North Goa seat by a 'very comfortable margin' and the South Goa seat by a 'reasonably comfortable margin'.
Asked whether the election campaign had passed off smoothly, Parrikar informed that more than 95 percent of booths in North Goa and more than 90 percent booths in South Goa were visited by the candidates. He also expressed unhappiness over the Election Commission's failure to control money power in this election.
Pooh-poohing the Congress party in reply to yet another question, Parrikar opined that the 'original' Congress has lost its 'originality' as the 'original Congressman' Jitendra Deshprabhu has now left the party for the NCP.
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: With just one day before Goa goes to polls, opposition leader Manohar Parrikar has exploited South Goa candidate Francisco Sardinha's statement to the hilt.
Media reports quote Sardinha as stating that he will not visit villages in South Goa after his win but at the Collectorate in Margao to meet him in connection with any work.
Parrikar virtually termed this statement as an eye opener for the voters and Congress' vote banks, further opining that the latter are being taken for granted.
Rubbing salt on Congress' wounds, the opposition leader vowed to fulfil all promises in the BJP's current manifesto even as he drew comparisons with the party's Assembly manifesto during Assembly elections in 2002. Parrikar said the party had executed all it promises to the extent of 70 percent despite being disallowed from completing its term in office.
At a press conference, in the backdrop of Sardinha's comments, Parrikar remarked, " The attitude displayed by the Congress candidate almost takes a certain section of the voters for granted. From yesterday, I have been getting calls(from voters) conveying strong reactions from die-hard Congress workers. They have not taken this statement lightly."
Parrikar stated that, he would not to allow the Congress to take its for granted. " In case Sardinha wants the villagers to visit him in Margao, then why is he (Sardinha) going to the villages asking for votes?" questioned the opposition leader.
On the contrary, Parrikar re-iterated the BJP's commitment to its manifesto. " They(both candidates) will visit every nook and corner of the state unlike that displayed by the Congress party which takes for granted a certain section of voters," Parrikar's commented.
Explaining the issues which dominated these Lok Sabha elections in the state, Parrikar pointed out to three issues Price rise, security and economic meltdown. He spoke about escalating prices of sugar, palm oil prices and prices of tur dal, the encounters in Srinagar for the deteriorating security situation and the Swiss bank money vis-a-vis the economic meltdown.
Later, replying to questions, he said the BJP was confident of winning the North Goa seat by a 'very comfortable margin' and the South Goa seat by a 'reasonably comfortable margin'.
Asked whether the election campaign had passed off smoothly, Parrikar informed that more than 95 percent of booths in North Goa and more than 90 percent booths in South Goa were visited by the candidates. He also expressed unhappiness over the Election Commission's failure to control money power in this election.
Pooh-poohing the Congress party in reply to yet another question, Parrikar opined that the 'original' Congress has lost its 'originality' as the 'original Congressman' Jitendra Deshprabhu has now left the party for the NCP.
CM confident of clean sweep
Brags of Congress-UPA achievements
PANJIM: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat yesterday said that his aim was to win both the Lok sabha seats and expressed confidence that sitting MP Francisco Sardinha would win the South Goa seat by a minimum margin of 50,000 votes.
He also claimed that Congress-NCP alliance candidate Jitendra Deshprabhu would wrest the North Goa seat by a minimum margin of 25,000 votes.
Speaking to reporters in the presence of GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar, Sardinha and Deshprabhu a few hours before campaigning came to end, Kamat said that during his interaction with the electorate, he tried to strike a cord with them and ensure victory of both the candidates.
He said that the response from the electorate through the state was tremendous and that the people wanted the UPA government to come back to power at the Centre.
He said that, during campaigning he told the people the benefits Goa availed from the UPA government and that his government was able to solve lot of problems with the help of the Centre.
The Chief Minister said that the highlight of the fortnight-long campaign was that they did not do any negative campaign but focused on positive campaigning explaining to the people why they should vote Congress and what the party had done for their welfare.
He said that the UPA government helped the state to upgrade the existing Dabolim airport by sanctioning Rs 350 crore, notifying land acquisition for Mopa international airport, approved ESI super-speciality hospital at Margao at a cost of Rs 60 crore, which would benefit about 40,000 workers setting up of a full-fledged Doordarshan studio and funds for construction of roads and bridges on NH-17.
If the UPA government returns to power then the Goa government would be able to do much more progress, Kamat said adding that he had always taken decisions in the interest of the common man.
Reiterating that his government was committed for the welfare of the ‘aam admi’, the Chief Minister said that he even walked two kilometers to meet the villagers from remote Amdai village in Sanguem taluka to convince them to exercise their voting right during elections. He said that villagers had threatened to boycott Lok Sabha elections in protest against the failure to construct a road for them.
Kamat claimed that he had visited villages, which no other chief minister had gone and had meetings with the people from remote villages of Cavrem-Pirla in Quepem and Agonda in Canacona taluka even during midnight.
He also recalled his initiative in helping an electricity lineman from Fatorda after he lost both his hands due to electrocution while on duty and fitting him a mechanised hand costing Rs 4.75 lakh besides, offering him a job in the electricity department at Margao.
‘Govt bolting stable after horse is out’
Bardhan for Pawar as PM, nationalisation of mining sector
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary A B Bardhan yesterday stated that it would nationalise the mining industry of Goa if the Third Front were voted to power at the Centre, so as to stop overexploitation of iron ore without any value-addition.
Bardhan who was in Goa to campaign for CPI candidates contesting both the Lok Sabha seats, told reporters that the mining industry, which was mostly in the hands of private firms, was going on unregulated, unchecked and in an irresponsible manner. He said that the Conservation of Mineral Land Act had become defunct.
Bardhan said mining rather than proving to be a boon had become a source of unexploited resources. The miners were exploiting ore without any value-added to the state.
“The mines should not be in the private hands. We will oppose it as it is overexploiting our resources without any value-addition,” Bardhan said.
He also brught the tourism industry under the hammer in Goa. He stated that it had spoiled Goa by the five-star culture while, some top politicians had become major players in real estate and have sold and resold Goa and were now talking of protecting Goa's land from being sold to foreginers. "It is like bolting the stable after the horses have left," he remarked.
The CPI general secretary said that lack of political stability was another feature of Goa and strongly advocated that Goa needs employment-oriented and eco-friendly industries.
Bardhan hoped that this time the people of Goa would repose their faith in the CPI candidates rather then the Congress or BJP candidates who were elected in turns by Goans. He said that CPI election campaign focused on special problems concerning Goa.
Asked whether the Left would again support Congress after post-election, Bardhan ruled out the possibility of Left helping the Congress to form the next government.
To a question, he said that NCP president Sharad Pawar was a good Prime Ministerial candidate. But after the Lok Sabha election results are declared, the Third Front would come together and calculate the possibility of forming the new government and choose its leader.
He said, the Left parties would adopt a path of development by which domestic market is built-up and infrastructure strengthened.
Both CPI candidates Christopher Fonseca (North Goa) and Raju Mangueshkar (South Goa), secretary Suhas Naik, CPI (M) state president Thalman
Pereira and general secretary S S Naik were also present.
Polls leave weddings high and dry
No booze for 48 hours before polls
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: More than 30 bar owners marched to Goa State Election Commission (GSEC) office in Altinho to meet the chief electoral officer Ajit Srivastava with their plea to allow serving of liquors for weddings, yesterday.
According to GSEC sources, about three weddings are to be held today and family members as well as brides came to request the CEO to allow serving liquors with conditions, though.
“The group had sent a request letter to Excise department and it was then forwarded to GSEC to look into the issue. The GSEC had faxed the application to Election Commission of India to consider the request. However, the ECI put down the proposal,” the source told GT.
It is a general rule that no hard drinks would be served or sold 48-hours before a state goes to polls or on dry days.
The election code of conduct is also in force throughout the country.
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: More than 30 bar owners marched to Goa State Election Commission (GSEC) office in Altinho to meet the chief electoral officer Ajit Srivastava with their plea to allow serving of liquors for weddings, yesterday.
According to GSEC sources, about three weddings are to be held today and family members as well as brides came to request the CEO to allow serving liquors with conditions, though.
“The group had sent a request letter to Excise department and it was then forwarded to GSEC to look into the issue. The GSEC had faxed the application to Election Commission of India to consider the request. However, the ECI put down the proposal,” the source told GT.
It is a general rule that no hard drinks would be served or sold 48-hours before a state goes to polls or on dry days.
The election code of conduct is also in force throughout the country.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
From direct talks to petty issues, Sardinha tackles it all
The long innings as a politician is visible as South Goa Congress candidate Francisco Sardinha knows most of his voters by their first names and it is this personal touch that brightens the day for those waiting for him, reports Julio D'Silva.
It was a Sunday and the Congress candidate Francisco Sardinha has dedicated the day to network with his associates and also concentrate on his assembly segment of Curtorim and his house at Curtorim resembled a beehive with people coming and going steadily.
The day begins with participation in the Sunday mass at 6.30 am. After the mass there is a congregation outside with Sardinha exchanging pleasantries with his childhood buddies from the village, friends, acquaintances and co-villagers as most of them come forward to greet him and wish him the best.
From the church he returns home where there is already a sizeable crowd waiting for him. The long innings as a politician is visible as Sardinha knows most of those present by their first names and it is this personal touch that brightens the day for those waiting for him.
A smile here, hands shake there, a pat on the shoulder for one and his typical "ola" greeting for another gives a very friendly touch to the atmosphere. He briefs his supporters about his campaign.
"The position is improving every day, Sanguem and Sanvordem, which were a little weak have improved now and I am confident of victory," he says while urging those present to concentrate on Salcete that holds the key.
By then, HCN is repeating the debate with candidates and Sardinha along with around 25 supporters, spread out before the television to watch it. As Sardinha appears on the screen, he explains why he gave that particular answer or identifies the person putting the question.
'This one is priest.' 'This lady always asks such questions'. "I was getting tense as the programme started late and I had to be at Cortalim for a public meeting where the crowd was already gathering," were some of the comments.
Once Sardinha's section is over, the television is switched off and he gets cracking on his electioneering. He first to deal with where his long time supporters from San Jose de Areal, the village now shifted to Velim Assembly constituency.
"You distribute the cards there and mobilise the people. I have already spoken to Felipe (Velim MLA) and there is absolutely no change," he tells his supporters. There is no problem with Felipe he tells us giving thumbs up to the genial Water Resources Minister.
The group from Macasana is a little upset and ventilates its grievance over being sidelined by the new Congress leadership in the village after it was detached from Curtorim assembly segment and added to Cuncolim.
"You must have got the report of the very less crowd they got for the meeting," they complain and Sardinha has to pacify them. "There are problems, but this is the time to ignore them and concentrate on the victory of the party," he assuages.
Party workers from Raia and Curtorim are given the task of mobilising the crowd for the pubic meeting scheduled at Raia the next day. "You have to make sure that the crowd occupies the chairs and please do not make an announcement over the microphone asking them to do so. If you are committed workers, you will get them in the seats," he instructs while disclosing that empty chairs turns is mood off.
He monitors the distribution of cards in Curtorim assembly segment and gives necessary directions on how to go about doing it in certain pockets. He drops names to be contacted in different wards. "They have been with me for a long time and they will do the needful," he says confidently.
Congress workers from other assembly segments drop in for various reasons. While some want publicity material others have come for finances. The group from Seraulim is organizing a tiatr and are looking for sponsorship.
"You tell me what is your expectation as what I offer may not be acceptable to you. I believe in direct talk," he tells them. Even as they hesitate, their MLA and Power Minister Aleixo Sequeira calls up and Sardinha takes up the matter with him directly.
"Your boys from Seraulim are here regarding the tiatr. What are you offering them? Alright, if you are giving that, I shall give the other. I am sending them to you." This is the conversation and the Seraulim lads are told to meet their MLA.
A desperate looking lady from Colva drops in with hopes that she will get some money to buy medicines for her son who has suffered a paralytic stroke. "Did you contact Micky?" asks Sardinha and she replies in a tearful voice that her MLA is not available.
"If you treated your son at Grace Cardiac, it means you are financially quite sound," he opined asking her why they did not opt for the government hospital that provides all the facilities free of cost. But her plight moves him and she gets a little help.
Some youngsters visibly not eligible to vote come to ask for donation for a tournament. "Where are you from? Come later, preferably after the elections and I shall help you then," he says and turns them away.
As he has not had his breakfast till then, his wife and sister-in-law remind him that he has to take his medicines. But there are still people waiting and his wife stands by his side nudging and reminding him that he has to take care of his health too.
"I am contesting Lok Sabha elections and to deal with these petty issues, you have the State government here. In fact, every three months we have to be in Delhi," he said while replying to the various issues raised by his workers.
A quick bite of a bhaji with bread and half-a-slice of cheese is not enough. He wants more, but there is nothing left and no time. His daughter-in-law and sister-in-law keep him company while he has this snack.
He confabulates with party workers from Benaulim, Vasco, Varca and Assolna. "Being into politics for so many years, I have my own contacts all over and I am using them now," he discloses.
Replying to a question about his party MLAs working for him he says, "they have promised certain votes so let us wait and watch. However, since I am the candidate, I am using my sources and contacts also. There is no harm in doing so, is there?"
But he is aware of what is happening and that is why he takes personal interest in areas where he suspects the Congress men are not working properly. "I am getting my reports," is all that he is willing to say.
There is a problem in one of the wards of Curtorim. At Eclati some persons threatened those distributing Sardinha's cards. His second son Shalom is asked to go to that area and check out the situation. "Do not get into any argument or discussion with them. Just go around with the workers and see what happens. If you are there, nobody will say anything," he tells his son.
It is quite obvious that Shalom is being groomed to take over the political mantle from his father. Prominent party workers are introduced to him and he is asked to deal with some of the workers. He also dashes off on to the field now and then.
After lunch at home, it is a whirlwind rush to address public meetings all over the constituency covering four different talukas. It begins with Canacona where Speaker Pratapsing Rane is present. From there it is to Betalbatim in Salcete taluka. The Navelim meeting is an eye-opener. But the next at Shiroda in Ponda taluka is encouraging and the last meeting is in Verna in Mormugao taluka.
Mickky dares Alemaos
BY A GT REPORTER
MARGAO, April 20, 2009: Unfazed by the threat of the Alemaos to the Digambar-led government in the state a day earlier, Tourism Minister Francisco (Mickky) Pacheco yesterday threw his might behind the Chief Minister challenging his bitter rivals, the two brothers -- PWD Minister Churchill and Urban Development Minister Joaquim to topple, which he said was impossible even if they quit the cabinet.
Assuring full support to Digambar Kamat in case the Alemaos played dirty, Mickky reminded the people of his weight and how he had quit the BJP government within 24 hours of joining the party to dislodge the government from power.
Mickky was addressing a public meeting held near the Betalbatim church yesterday evening.
Venting out his spleen against the Alemaos, the Benaulim NCP MLA drew attention to the vexed taxi issue that the Alemaos had accused the tourism minister of being incapable of solving and alleged that one of the MLA’s brother had eight tourist buses. How would they support the taxi drivers and solve this issue? He asked.
Defending himself, he stated that he had many meetings along with the tour operators and private tourist taxi operators who were presently angry with him so as to solve the woes of the latter but claimed that they were being instigated by certain elements.
The tourism minister urged Sardinha to immediately intervene in the matter since the issue came under the central government Act, besides Goa being a tourist state it was of major concern to the people.
Interestingly, Mickky gave credit to himself for drawing large crowd at yesterday’s meeting as Sardinha had failed to visit the people and pleaded that the MP visit them on a regular basis be it annually and requested that the local issues such as the CRZ issue that was affecting their livelihood be taken on an urgent basis.
The Benaulim NCP MLA took the opportunity to highlight the achievements of the UPA government of which the NCP is a partner and praised his NCP leaders whilst also seeking that clarification be issued concerning the Benaulim Congress block that had not been constituted with the present members seen supporting the opposition parties like the UGDP and BJP and were criticising him (Mickky).
He condemned the UGDP demand for “Special Status” by attacking the UGDP vice-president Adv Radharao Gracias.
Expressing confidence that Sardinha would obtain a lead of not less than 7,000-odd votes in this constituency despite a probable low turnout of voters, Kamat, too, flayed the regional party and termed it a ‘mushroom’ that sprouts during the monsoons for emerging during the present elections.
He alleged that the UGDP candidate Matanhy Saldanha who could not look after his Cortalim constituency, would not be able to look after the state.
Speaking about the BJP, the CM claimed that the people were aware of the heaps of atrocities being committed on Christians in Orissa forcing them to flee to the hilly areas as well as what occurred at Mangalore in Karnataka. He said that he had urged Sardinha to commence the first project of the MPLAD Rs 2 crores sanctioned in Benaulim as the Congress had obtained a lead in the previous polls.
Assuring to fulfill the wishes of the people such as the CRZ issue and the taxi problem that he would examine, Sardinha expressed his regret that he could not visit ‘a few places’ but promised to do so.
Earlier, the GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar blamed the Mapusa BJP MLA Francis D’Souza for raising the CRZ issue in the state assembly that forced the courts to take suo moto cognisance of the matter and convert into a special petition that was later heard directing all the panchayats to issue demolition notices to the structures.
Also present were the GPCC general secretary Altinho Gomes, Colva ZP member Nelly Rodrigues and other local sarpanchas, panchas, etc.
MARGAO, April 20, 2009: Unfazed by the threat of the Alemaos to the Digambar-led government in the state a day earlier, Tourism Minister Francisco (Mickky) Pacheco yesterday threw his might behind the Chief Minister challenging his bitter rivals, the two brothers -- PWD Minister Churchill and Urban Development Minister Joaquim to topple, which he said was impossible even if they quit the cabinet.
Assuring full support to Digambar Kamat in case the Alemaos played dirty, Mickky reminded the people of his weight and how he had quit the BJP government within 24 hours of joining the party to dislodge the government from power.
Mickky was addressing a public meeting held near the Betalbatim church yesterday evening.
Venting out his spleen against the Alemaos, the Benaulim NCP MLA drew attention to the vexed taxi issue that the Alemaos had accused the tourism minister of being incapable of solving and alleged that one of the MLA’s brother had eight tourist buses. How would they support the taxi drivers and solve this issue? He asked.
Defending himself, he stated that he had many meetings along with the tour operators and private tourist taxi operators who were presently angry with him so as to solve the woes of the latter but claimed that they were being instigated by certain elements.
The tourism minister urged Sardinha to immediately intervene in the matter since the issue came under the central government Act, besides Goa being a tourist state it was of major concern to the people.
Interestingly, Mickky gave credit to himself for drawing large crowd at yesterday’s meeting as Sardinha had failed to visit the people and pleaded that the MP visit them on a regular basis be it annually and requested that the local issues such as the CRZ issue that was affecting their livelihood be taken on an urgent basis.
The Benaulim NCP MLA took the opportunity to highlight the achievements of the UPA government of which the NCP is a partner and praised his NCP leaders whilst also seeking that clarification be issued concerning the Benaulim Congress block that had not been constituted with the present members seen supporting the opposition parties like the UGDP and BJP and were criticising him (Mickky).
He condemned the UGDP demand for “Special Status” by attacking the UGDP vice-president Adv Radharao Gracias.
Expressing confidence that Sardinha would obtain a lead of not less than 7,000-odd votes in this constituency despite a probable low turnout of voters, Kamat, too, flayed the regional party and termed it a ‘mushroom’ that sprouts during the monsoons for emerging during the present elections.
He alleged that the UGDP candidate Matanhy Saldanha who could not look after his Cortalim constituency, would not be able to look after the state.
Speaking about the BJP, the CM claimed that the people were aware of the heaps of atrocities being committed on Christians in Orissa forcing them to flee to the hilly areas as well as what occurred at Mangalore in Karnataka. He said that he had urged Sardinha to commence the first project of the MPLAD Rs 2 crores sanctioned in Benaulim as the Congress had obtained a lead in the previous polls.
Assuring to fulfill the wishes of the people such as the CRZ issue and the taxi problem that he would examine, Sardinha expressed his regret that he could not visit ‘a few places’ but promised to do so.
Earlier, the GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar blamed the Mapusa BJP MLA Francis D’Souza for raising the CRZ issue in the state assembly that forced the courts to take suo moto cognisance of the matter and convert into a special petition that was later heard directing all the panchayats to issue demolition notices to the structures.
Also present were the GPCC general secretary Altinho Gomes, Colva ZP member Nelly Rodrigues and other local sarpanchas, panchas, etc.
Dawn to Dusk Matanhy Padyatra rolls on
It is a roller coaster ride to be moving with United Goans Democratic Party candidate Matanhy Saldanha on his campaign trail given the fact that there are sudden changes in the prepared schedule as the polling date is fast drawing near, reports JULIO D’SILVA.
The day begins early for Matanhy who after his morning rituals and a healthy breakfast prepared by his wife Alina with great care but hurriedly gulped down, gets down to electioneering by calling up his lieutenants to go over the programme for the day and to check up on action taken with regards to earlier given tasks.
Although he was supposed to launch his padyatra in Margao market, frantic calls from supporters and well wishers, make him change his plan and he dashes off to Vasco to address four corner meetings within a span of 90 minutes.
“I have to be flexible to change the plans as my party does not have a real grass root level organization,” he concedes but is happy with the response his candidature has evoked not only in political circles, but even amongst the electorate.
The enthusiasm is palpable as one spends time with the candidate who keeps pointing out how Goa is being destroyed and thinks aloud of how the trend can be reversed.
While on his way to Margao, yet another telephone call forces a change in the plan. He is compelled to meet a political heavyweight - at least one who considers himself to be so - where a closed door meeting takes place for about half an hour.
As Matanhy is closeted with the politician, his driver gets harassed with persistent calls from the party president Dr Jorson Fernandes who is waiting for the candidate at the party office at Margao to go canvassing in the market area.
After a long delay of one-and-a-half hour, Matanhy makes it to the Margao office and has a quick confabulation with his president Dr Fernandes and munches upon a slice of the summer cooler - water melon.
Then it is back on the trail. Surrounded by a group of around 40 supporters that include the old and the young, men and women, the literate and the illiterate, Matanhy starts moving around Margao.
Starting from the shops below Gomant Vidya Niketan, he crosses over to the adjoining old bus stand and the shops by the side of State Bank of India and then crosses the Margao Municipal Council garden to canvass in the New Market area.
Shopkeepers and shoppers gave him such an enthusiastic response that even Dr Fernandes was surprised. “This is a good sign and it means that the loss of the traditional two leaves symbol will not affect us much,” he mused as people greeted Matanhy with “katol aili”.
Many middle class women who had come shopping were thrilled with the experience and some of them insisted on shaking hands with the candidate. “We support you because you are a good man” was the general refrain.
One shopper, Fatima Coutinho from Cuncolim, joined in the padyatra for some time. “We have to support such good candidates,” she said and prayed that God grants the wisdom to the people to elect a good man like him.
Original Goan women selling vegetables at Gandhi Market gave vent to their frustration by castigating the political class. “You remember us only at the time of elections and then you forget us,” they chorused.
However, Matanhy patiently explained to them that he was not in power and they agreed that it was the Congress that has taken them for a ride all these years. A fruit vendor from Borda admitted that the Congress Party workers provide alcohol to their men folk on the eve of elections and that is how they vote for that party. “This time however, we have decided not to vote for anybody,” she said.
But another lady, a vegetable vendor from Davorlim kept her options open and candidly admitted that she would decide whom to vote after weighing what she stood to gain.
Significantly, a badel roundly blamed the Congress for all their problems and if this was balm to the UGDP workers, the way they were greeted by the cloth merchants and the tailors seated outside was ecstatic. As Matanhy moved from shop to shop, the staff and the tailors kept snipping their scissors.
Significantly Matanhy has succeeded in enthusing the youth to support his candidature. Most of them are students who have just concluded their exams and are thrilled to be working for Matanhy. “I had actually come here thinking it would be a part time job, but I am so impressed with the talk that Matanhy gave and I now feel proud that I am doing something to save my beautiful state,” said young Filomena Naik who had taken a break from her job at a call centre.
Despite the Goan refrain of Matanhy’s campaign, Rupender Thappa, a Hotel Management Student was enthusiastically doing all kinds of jobs including serving water to the visitors at the office.
After the brisk walk around the Margao market for two hours, it is a quick bite of working lunch for Matanhy at the party office at Jardin dos Aliados and then he has to rush to meet two local satraps who wield quite a bit of influence in certain pockets.
Here again there are closed-door meetings and after one such meeting a visibly disturbed Matanhy walks to the car. “Why can’t there be plain politics without manipulations and machina
ions,” he muses aloud but does not reveal what was it that upset him so much.
“I really wish such politics would end,” he says thus providing that despite jumping into the electoral battle so many times, he has not developed the thick skin a politician is meant to have and still remains a true sensitive son of the red soil who is struggling to protect his land.
“I am not a politician but am forced into politics because our political leadership has failed us,” he admits while pointing out how the Congress candidate in South Goa and the Congress president have different views on the issue of ‘Special Status’ for Goa.
Getting back on the campaign trail, Matanhy addresses a corner meeting at Demani in Cuncolim where his president Dr. Fernandes reminds the people of the problems they faced due to the polluting units at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate. “We do not need such industries specially in our villages,” said Matanhy.
Then it is to the Lohia Maidan for the first public meeting in Margao and after this meeting too there is no respite as there is a corner meeting at Ambaulim, which has now been added to the Cuncolim Assembly segment.
There is still a long way to go before Matanhy can hit the bed because on his way back home, he has yet another closed door meeting scheduled with yet another local leader.
What was apparent while on the trail with Matanhy was that the electorate is discontented and it blames the Congress for their woes but has no much hopes of the BJP being any different. But whether thisdiscontent will translate into votes for Matanhy is the big question.
Alemao's scare Cong
BY A GT REPORTER
MARGAO, APRIL 19, 2009: Only three days to go for the battle of ballot in the state but all does not seem to be well in the Congress as was evident at a rally organised by PWD Minister Churchill Alemao at the open-air Blasco hall, Navelim yesterday evening.
Ironically, the Aleamaos -- Churhill and Joaquim -- asked for votes to the Congress but in the same breath gave a veiled threat to the party if it took them lightly.
First, the younger brother, Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao reminded the party leaders present at the rally that when the Congress party was in a crisis it was he brought Churchill into the party fold. He warned that he would quit if any harm (disqualification or sacking from the party) befell on his elder brother.
He also lashed out at some of Churchill’s detractors calling upon the Benaulim residents to vote out NCP MLA at the next assembly elections.
Churchill hinted that in the possibility of he being disqualified, he would accept the decision and remain at home but not before taking the other MLAs with him. Thus, indirectly threatening to topple the present Congress-led coalition government as he also interestingly quipped ‘do not force me to play politics (with the party).’
He reiterated his earlier remarks that he would remain in politics as long as he had the support of the people but would quit only if the people sought so. Adding that he was afraid of no one other than God and his people.
Churchill also lamented about the Congress failure to honour the agreement made to him over party nomination for his daughter Adv ValankaAlemao for South Goa Parliamenatry seat. He quickly clarified that he did not desire to promote his family dynasty in the political field but that Valanka was genuinely keen in working for the people.
The PWD minister claimed that though the party has hurt him a lot, he had joined the party upon the request of the AICC president Sonia Gandhi. He further alleged that his bete noire and CWC permanent member Luizinho Faleiro along with the Save Goa Front (SGF) president Antonio Gauncar had moved the disqualification petition before Rane that was initially dismissed but later presented by Mickky.
The former SGF leader also took a swipe at the chief minister remarking that had he (Churchill) to be the CM, he would have dropped Mickky from the cabinet for filing the disqualification petition against his own cabinet colleague.
Rebuke Sardinha, says Churchill
Churchill yesterday moved the GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar urging him to reprimand South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha for his statement that he would not visit his constituency but instead would be available to the public at his chamber in South Goa Collectorate every week on Wednesdays.
Churchill stated that this attitude was unbecoming of an elected representative. Shirodkar agreed to oblige the PWD minister while also assuring that a meeting would be convened after the polls to solve the woes of the private tourist taxi operators in the South Goa coastal belt.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Nature lovers ‘croak’ to save frogs from ‘rain’ of terror
BY GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Nature and wildlife lovers met in the city yesterday to collectively ‘croak’ about innovative ways and means to protect frogs from rampant poaching and the ill effects of urbanization.
The meeting held at the Kala Academy yesterday evening was organised by the WildGoa-online forum that works for the betterment of the wild side of Goa and focuses on creating awareness on the need for protecting the amphibians, hunted and devoured during monsoons and served in large numbers, as a delicacy called ‘jumping chicken’.
For more than three years now, the forum has been trying to send a strong message that killing of frogs for meat was not only inhuman, but also illegal.
“They are protected under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Catching, killing and selling frog meat could result in stringent punishment with fine and imprisonment,” promoter of the forum Clinton Vaz told GT.
While some believe it is too early to start this campaign, as the poaching begins only during monsoons, Vaz argues that it is always better to start the awareness program sooner.
Vaz also has his sight set on April 28, which is observed as the Save
Frogs Day. “The Goa Forest Department is also supporting us in this cause and is also willing to offer monetary help,” he said.
Wildlife enthusiasts feel, that while authorities have been booking offences involving illegal frog hunting, a lot more needs to be done.
“Last year 10 persons were booked. However, no one was convicted. A conviction could mean up to three years imprisonment,” informed Vaz.
During the meeting several suggestions were put forth by the participants to make this campaign more effective.
Suggestions ranged from identifying restaurants that serve frog meat, targeting youth, putting up posters in panchayats or other public places, which inform people that killing frogs is illegal.
Participants also suggested making documentaries on the subject and posting them on social networking sites like Facebook and Orkut.
Increase in the mortality rate of frogs due to pesticides was also discussed during the meet.
Horticulturist Miguel Braganza suggested that organic farming should be promoted, as pesticides were equally bad for frogs as well as humans. Some rather ‘wild’ suggestions came forth too.
Caitan Philip Colaco from Dona Paula vouched for the concept of frog farming and said that exporting frog meat could be a source of foreign exchange for India, an option, which Vaz immediately shot down.
“The Bull frog or the other wild species are wild animals which are protected and are the property of the government. To breed them you would have to change the law,” confirmed Vaz.
WildGoa in the coming days will also seek the support of people hailing from villages in their campaign, as this practice is quite prevalent in the rural parts of Goa.
PANJIM: Nature and wildlife lovers met in the city yesterday to collectively ‘croak’ about innovative ways and means to protect frogs from rampant poaching and the ill effects of urbanization.
The meeting held at the Kala Academy yesterday evening was organised by the WildGoa-online forum that works for the betterment of the wild side of Goa and focuses on creating awareness on the need for protecting the amphibians, hunted and devoured during monsoons and served in large numbers, as a delicacy called ‘jumping chicken’.
For more than three years now, the forum has been trying to send a strong message that killing of frogs for meat was not only inhuman, but also illegal.
“They are protected under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Catching, killing and selling frog meat could result in stringent punishment with fine and imprisonment,” promoter of the forum Clinton Vaz told GT.
While some believe it is too early to start this campaign, as the poaching begins only during monsoons, Vaz argues that it is always better to start the awareness program sooner.
Vaz also has his sight set on April 28, which is observed as the Save
Frogs Day. “The Goa Forest Department is also supporting us in this cause and is also willing to offer monetary help,” he said.
Wildlife enthusiasts feel, that while authorities have been booking offences involving illegal frog hunting, a lot more needs to be done.
“Last year 10 persons were booked. However, no one was convicted. A conviction could mean up to three years imprisonment,” informed Vaz.
During the meeting several suggestions were put forth by the participants to make this campaign more effective.
Suggestions ranged from identifying restaurants that serve frog meat, targeting youth, putting up posters in panchayats or other public places, which inform people that killing frogs is illegal.
Participants also suggested making documentaries on the subject and posting them on social networking sites like Facebook and Orkut.
Increase in the mortality rate of frogs due to pesticides was also discussed during the meet.
Horticulturist Miguel Braganza suggested that organic farming should be promoted, as pesticides were equally bad for frogs as well as humans. Some rather ‘wild’ suggestions came forth too.
Caitan Philip Colaco from Dona Paula vouched for the concept of frog farming and said that exporting frog meat could be a source of foreign exchange for India, an option, which Vaz immediately shot down.
“The Bull frog or the other wild species are wild animals which are protected and are the property of the government. To breed them you would have to change the law,” confirmed Vaz.
WildGoa in the coming days will also seek the support of people hailing from villages in their campaign, as this practice is quite prevalent in the rural parts of Goa.
Karnataka MLA’s kin among four held
FAKE CURRENCY RACKET
BY A GT CORRESPONDENT
PONDA: Four persons including one relative of Karnataka MLA have been arrested in connection with fake currency racket in Ponda.
According to Police Inspector CL Patil, four arrested persons namely Shivanan Nagapa Dupadal (26), a resident of Roligiri Honawar, Vijay Kalidas Angal (33) of Bagalkot, Zayad Dastagiri Sad Kopal (32) of Bijapur and Feroz Kadar (25) of Dharwad were arguing over the distribution of their profits near Amigoes Hotel, Ponda yesterday at around 4.30 pm.
Fed up with the commotion, locals contacted the Ponda police station that arrested them and where taken into police station. Upon interrogation, police recovered from them a total of 101 currency of Rs 1000 denomination fake notes. Vijay Dupadal is related to one of the MLA’s in Karnataka.
BY A GT CORRESPONDENT
PONDA: Four persons including one relative of Karnataka MLA have been arrested in connection with fake currency racket in Ponda.
According to Police Inspector CL Patil, four arrested persons namely Shivanan Nagapa Dupadal (26), a resident of Roligiri Honawar, Vijay Kalidas Angal (33) of Bagalkot, Zayad Dastagiri Sad Kopal (32) of Bijapur and Feroz Kadar (25) of Dharwad were arguing over the distribution of their profits near Amigoes Hotel, Ponda yesterday at around 4.30 pm.
Fed up with the commotion, locals contacted the Ponda police station that arrested them and where taken into police station. Upon interrogation, police recovered from them a total of 101 currency of Rs 1000 denomination fake notes. Vijay Dupadal is related to one of the MLA’s in Karnataka.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Sonia vows special status to Goa, wipe out CRZ virus
BY A GT REPORTER
MARGAO: Urging the Goan voters to shun the BJP, the AICC president Sonia Gandhi yesterday promised to accord ‘Special Status’ to the state and save the ‘vulnerable section of society’ affected by the CRZ notification.
Addressing a massive rally outside Fatorda stadium yesterday, Sonia took a dig at the BJP, accusing the opposition party of spreading hatred among different faiths, citing examples of the incidents that took place in Orissa, Gujarat and Karnataka.
“Not only the minorities but everyone lives in fear. Terrorism thrives and affects every single person in the country. Can such a party fight terrorism? Can we even think of such a government at the center?”
She further sought the votes for Congress so as to provide a strong, stable government that protects and promotes secular values of communal harmony.
Stating that only the Congress party was sensitive to regional sentiments, Sonia boasted of the various achievements of the Congress party such as the reservations for the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes (SCs/STs), the construction of dams, power stations, creation of public sector, LIC, nationalization of banks, the green revolution, etc.
In her brief address in English, Sonia recalled the commitment of the Congress party to the state she claimed Goa was being given the highest priority.
She further referred to the vociferous public protests over the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that she termed as ‘responsible activism’ wherein the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had obeyed the wishes of the people despite the pressures from certain influential sectors. And also expressed her satisfaction that the people of the state would be fully involved through the institution of the Gram panchayats in preparing the Regional Plan 2021.
To a thunderous applause, Sonia assured protection to homes and livelihood of those residing in the coastal belt following a request made to her earlier by Kamat.
She also spoke of the various policies, schemes and programmes of the UPA government like the Mid-day meal scheme, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence legislation that was passed under the
leadership of the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who according to her had provided a transparent responsive government that provided employment.
Besides, also allocating unprecedented funds for the development of the infrastructure in the state such as schools for example that have been upgraded. So also the primary health centers (PHC).
Reminding that the Right to Information (RTI) Act that sought to empower the people was also introduced by the Congress government, the UPA leader further vowed to protect the environment for the future generation from climatic change.
Advani in her firing range
Sonia Gandhi also launched a frontal attack on the BJP prime ministerial candidate LK Advani for time and again calling Dr Manmohan Singh a weak prime minister.
Sonia reminded the people that terrorism had commenced during Advani’s tenure as the then home minister when India was attacked in Kargil, blackmailed at Kandahar and terrorists stormed the parliament.
She said, “are we not all aware of how things work in the BJP? Can the ex-home minister Advaniji today take any steps, any action without touching the feet of the RSS leaders? Can he do so? Absolutely not. They cannot do a thing, move an inch, say a word, take any action without the blessings and the clearance of the RSS.”
She termed the accusation made against the PM as ‘totally false’ and further recalled the then BJP president Advani’s visit to Pakistan wherein he had called the founder of that nation Mohammad Ali Jinnah as ‘secular’ but was made to relinquish his post on his return back to the country. “What happened to the strong man Advaniji? The RSS made him resign, he had to go into vanvas and only after he clarified he was given the opportunity to head the BJP. So I ask you, you tell me who is a strong leader? Is Advaniji, a strong leader or is our PM a strong leader?”
MARGAO: Urging the Goan voters to shun the BJP, the AICC president Sonia Gandhi yesterday promised to accord ‘Special Status’ to the state and save the ‘vulnerable section of society’ affected by the CRZ notification.
Addressing a massive rally outside Fatorda stadium yesterday, Sonia took a dig at the BJP, accusing the opposition party of spreading hatred among different faiths, citing examples of the incidents that took place in Orissa, Gujarat and Karnataka.
“Not only the minorities but everyone lives in fear. Terrorism thrives and affects every single person in the country. Can such a party fight terrorism? Can we even think of such a government at the center?”
She further sought the votes for Congress so as to provide a strong, stable government that protects and promotes secular values of communal harmony.
Stating that only the Congress party was sensitive to regional sentiments, Sonia boasted of the various achievements of the Congress party such as the reservations for the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes (SCs/STs), the construction of dams, power stations, creation of public sector, LIC, nationalization of banks, the green revolution, etc.
In her brief address in English, Sonia recalled the commitment of the Congress party to the state she claimed Goa was being given the highest priority.
She further referred to the vociferous public protests over the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that she termed as ‘responsible activism’ wherein the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had obeyed the wishes of the people despite the pressures from certain influential sectors. And also expressed her satisfaction that the people of the state would be fully involved through the institution of the Gram panchayats in preparing the Regional Plan 2021.
To a thunderous applause, Sonia assured protection to homes and livelihood of those residing in the coastal belt following a request made to her earlier by Kamat.
She also spoke of the various policies, schemes and programmes of the UPA government like the Mid-day meal scheme, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence legislation that was passed under the
leadership of the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who according to her had provided a transparent responsive government that provided employment.
Besides, also allocating unprecedented funds for the development of the infrastructure in the state such as schools for example that have been upgraded. So also the primary health centers (PHC).
Reminding that the Right to Information (RTI) Act that sought to empower the people was also introduced by the Congress government, the UPA leader further vowed to protect the environment for the future generation from climatic change.
Advani in her firing range
Sonia Gandhi also launched a frontal attack on the BJP prime ministerial candidate LK Advani for time and again calling Dr Manmohan Singh a weak prime minister.
Sonia reminded the people that terrorism had commenced during Advani’s tenure as the then home minister when India was attacked in Kargil, blackmailed at Kandahar and terrorists stormed the parliament.
She said, “are we not all aware of how things work in the BJP? Can the ex-home minister Advaniji today take any steps, any action without touching the feet of the RSS leaders? Can he do so? Absolutely not. They cannot do a thing, move an inch, say a word, take any action without the blessings and the clearance of the RSS.”
She termed the accusation made against the PM as ‘totally false’ and further recalled the then BJP president Advani’s visit to Pakistan wherein he had called the founder of that nation Mohammad Ali Jinnah as ‘secular’ but was made to relinquish his post on his return back to the country. “What happened to the strong man Advaniji? The RSS made him resign, he had to go into vanvas and only after he clarified he was given the opportunity to head the BJP. So I ask you, you tell me who is a strong leader? Is Advaniji, a strong leader or is our PM a strong leader?”
Gujarat iron man says bury vote bank politics
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Gurjrat Chief Minister Narendra Modi yesterday gave a clarion call to bury vote bank politics while urging the voters to vote for development with security. He was addressing a largely attended public meeting at Shivaji Maidan, Bicholim in support of North Goa BJP candidate Shripad Naik.
Modi said that the country was caught in the web of vote bank politics, which has eaten into the vitals of the country. The only solution is to bury vote bank politics and in stead go towards the politics of development. “Development is the only answer,” said Modi.
Coming down heavily on Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s reported statement at Mumbai where he said that the first riot on the national resources was that of the Muslims. Strongly denouncing this, Modi said that this is not in the spirit of the Constitution.
“I say the first riot on the national resources of our country is that of the poor. The country requires a strong Prime Minister whereas the current Prime Minister is weak,” he told the crowd.
Elaborating further on this issue, Modi quoted Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers Ram Vilas Paswan, who had said that that the Bangladeshi intruders must be treated as citizens of this country, be given a right to vote and to contest elections. “If you are as strong Prime Minister then why did you not remove Paswan from his ministerial post for his anti-India talk,” Modi asked.
He said that the Assam was being intruded by Bangladeshis and added that the situation was turning difficult for Assam due to vote bank politics of that government. On the contrary, he termed the Gujarat government as that of patriots.
He was disturbed over the government’s earlier moves of indulging in head count of Indian army on the basis of religion, which was subsequently aborted due to opposition from the army.
Turning his attention to terrorism, Modi came down heavily on Congress party’s criticism over BJP handling of Kandahar issue. “The Congress is criticising BJP for having exchanged terrorists for hostages. Who had stopped the Congress, when in the opposition from opposing this BJP’s step? The Congress was quiet before there was unanimous demand in the country, which wanted the government to get all these hostages back. He also cited other examples like Rudaiya Sayeed kidnapping episode and Char-e-Sharrif incident to expose the Congress party’s hollow game over terrorism issue. He also referred to other incidents like Mumbai train blast, Bihar flood and the naxalite issue to portray a green picture in the country under the UPA regime.
If voted to power, Modi said that the BJP would get the illegal monies deposited in Swiss banks to be used for the development of the country and in the interest of the poor.
In his concluding remarks, he posted three questions to the Prime Minister. Quoting the CAG report Modi said that in 2007-08, a sum of Rs 50,000 crore has been taken away from Indian treasury. He wanted Dr Manmohan Singh to explain this matter. In his second question, he drew Dr Singh’s attention towards Harshad Mehta scam and Satyam scam and said that both these matters occurred during the reign of Dr Manmohan Singh as Union Finance Minister and Prime Minister respectively.
“What did you do to stop this,” he asked the Prime Minister. Finally, he appealed to the people to vote for BJP to enable them to deliver a decisive government under a strong leader.
Others who addressed meeting were Shripad Naik, Leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar and MLAs Francis D’Souza, Dayanand Mandrekar, Laxmikant Parsekar and Rajesh Patnekar. Pernem MLA Dayanand Sopte conducted the meeting.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
People are ready for change: Matanhy
An inimitable activist but dubbed as a ‘bunny’ in politics, Matanhy Saldanha, UGDP general secretary lambasts the two MPs for not addressing the woes of the Goan society at the center. In a chat with JULIO D’SILVA, he exudes confidence of making it to the Lok Sabha from South Goa.
GT: Matanhy how do you rate your chances at these elections?
Matanhy Saldanha (MS): These elections are crucial for Goa and the country. For us in Goa, they are crucial, as the state appears to be in a state of chaos. There is no governance as the interest of the people are put aside only to fulfill the vested interest and the quality of life of the common man is worsening due to the lobbyist policies of the government.
The people of Goa are feeling insecure and this is reflected in the various revolts that are taking place be it against the mega-projects, against the highway or against the railway loop.
GT: But if one considers the results of the last elections, your party’s performance was quite poor and it would be a gigantic task to talk about winning the elections.
MS: The circumstances have changed since then. World history tells us that changes have occurred due to circumstances and in Goa the circumstances are ripe for a change. Recent developments, especially in Salcete indicate that people are ready for a change. The very fact that people are reacting is an indicator of the dissatisfaction.
GT: The question is whether the dissatisfaction will convert into votes?
MS: I am confident that this time there will not be emotional voting.
GT: Matanhy, what role would have a regional party have in the Lok Sabha?
MS: Erasmo Sequeira was a representative of a regional party and he was an effective voice in the parliament. The party is not important, what is important is the person’s capacity to study the subject in national interest without compromising the State’s concerns. Although Goa has two MPs in the Lok Sabha, they have failed to put forth the State’s aspirations.
GT: What according to you should have been the role of the MPs?
MS: Irrespective of the political affiliations, the MPs should have acted as co-ordinators between the Centre and the State and address the people’s problems. It is time for us to think of the State’s interest. What has Goa gained from the various central projects? If railways want land, the State government acquires it, but in return are there any jobs reserved for Goans? What benefit has Goa got in terms of job reservation or anything from the Defence undertakings, from NIO and even from MPT? How many Goans are employed in these establishments?
GT: But those are issues of yore, what about today?
MS: What issues pertaining to Goa have been highlighted at the Centre? The basic fault of our past MPs has been that they have failed to highlight the uniqueness of Goa at the centre. Because of the distinct character of Goa, many of the Central laws cannot be made applicable to our state due to which today many of the central schemes cannot be implemented in Goa. There are various examples of this. If our MPs had to act properly then, today the Zilla Panchayats would not have been clamouring for powers. If our MPs had to do their job, the below poverty line schemes could have been provided to Goans. If our MPs had to highlight the plight of the coastal residents the CRZ laws could have been amended for Goa.
Why have our MPs not mooted for changing the Gadgil-Mukherjee formula, which is actually punishing performing States like Goa. Why is it that the Mhadei issue has not been raised in the Parliament? Here let me clarify that the Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik is making some efforts.
GT: So what are the issues at these elections?
MS: Actually even the national issues are the State issues. Security of the nation is an issue in Goa as the terror threat can have an adverse impact on tourism. But the issues concerning Goa also are national issues. The Mhadei river dispute, the railways’ expansion plans, MPT’s jurisdiction that affects the common man and even in the Incredible India campaign of Government of India how Goa has been ignored. These are the issues that make one wonder whether our elected representatives have really been addressing the interest of the people or interest of land?
GT: Matanhy, you are perceived as a very good activist but a poor politician.
MS: It is because our political class has failed us that we are forced to step into the political arena. Today politics has become a business and people’s aspirations and welfare are forgotten.
GT: Elections are today governed with money power, which you apparently lack. So how would you tackle this aspect?
MS: It is true that people have been voting for money. But then, there is a limit for everything, and in Goa, I think this is the limit, as people are today feeling insecure. Demographically, linguistically and culturally the Goan population is feeling threatened and isolated. The terms of minority and majority that were applied to religions earlier have taken a new meaning today with Goans, irrespective of their religious affiliations, fearing that they are turning into a minority in their own land.
GT: There is a perception that you are in the fray to play spoilsport.
MS: Spoil what? If projecting the right demands of the people is spoilsport, so be it. What is politics then, a game of manipulation of, for and by vested interests or is it to put the people’s interest first? These are the questions that people have to ask.
GT: How will the change in your party symbol effect you?
MS: I do admit that the change in the symbol is a little setback. But then the symbol may change, the person has not changed. I am still the same Matanhy who has been fighting for issues pertaining to Goa and Goans. But yes, we have to work a little harder and the people of South Goa have to think a little harder.
GT: Matanhy how do you rate your chances at these elections?
Matanhy Saldanha (MS): These elections are crucial for Goa and the country. For us in Goa, they are crucial, as the state appears to be in a state of chaos. There is no governance as the interest of the people are put aside only to fulfill the vested interest and the quality of life of the common man is worsening due to the lobbyist policies of the government.
The people of Goa are feeling insecure and this is reflected in the various revolts that are taking place be it against the mega-projects, against the highway or against the railway loop.
GT: But if one considers the results of the last elections, your party’s performance was quite poor and it would be a gigantic task to talk about winning the elections.
MS: The circumstances have changed since then. World history tells us that changes have occurred due to circumstances and in Goa the circumstances are ripe for a change. Recent developments, especially in Salcete indicate that people are ready for a change. The very fact that people are reacting is an indicator of the dissatisfaction.
GT: The question is whether the dissatisfaction will convert into votes?
MS: I am confident that this time there will not be emotional voting.
GT: Matanhy, what role would have a regional party have in the Lok Sabha?
MS: Erasmo Sequeira was a representative of a regional party and he was an effective voice in the parliament. The party is not important, what is important is the person’s capacity to study the subject in national interest without compromising the State’s concerns. Although Goa has two MPs in the Lok Sabha, they have failed to put forth the State’s aspirations.
GT: What according to you should have been the role of the MPs?
MS: Irrespective of the political affiliations, the MPs should have acted as co-ordinators between the Centre and the State and address the people’s problems. It is time for us to think of the State’s interest. What has Goa gained from the various central projects? If railways want land, the State government acquires it, but in return are there any jobs reserved for Goans? What benefit has Goa got in terms of job reservation or anything from the Defence undertakings, from NIO and even from MPT? How many Goans are employed in these establishments?
GT: But those are issues of yore, what about today?
MS: What issues pertaining to Goa have been highlighted at the Centre? The basic fault of our past MPs has been that they have failed to highlight the uniqueness of Goa at the centre. Because of the distinct character of Goa, many of the Central laws cannot be made applicable to our state due to which today many of the central schemes cannot be implemented in Goa. There are various examples of this. If our MPs had to act properly then, today the Zilla Panchayats would not have been clamouring for powers. If our MPs had to do their job, the below poverty line schemes could have been provided to Goans. If our MPs had to highlight the plight of the coastal residents the CRZ laws could have been amended for Goa.
Why have our MPs not mooted for changing the Gadgil-Mukherjee formula, which is actually punishing performing States like Goa. Why is it that the Mhadei issue has not been raised in the Parliament? Here let me clarify that the Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik is making some efforts.
GT: So what are the issues at these elections?
MS: Actually even the national issues are the State issues. Security of the nation is an issue in Goa as the terror threat can have an adverse impact on tourism. But the issues concerning Goa also are national issues. The Mhadei river dispute, the railways’ expansion plans, MPT’s jurisdiction that affects the common man and even in the Incredible India campaign of Government of India how Goa has been ignored. These are the issues that make one wonder whether our elected representatives have really been addressing the interest of the people or interest of land?
GT: Matanhy, you are perceived as a very good activist but a poor politician.
MS: It is because our political class has failed us that we are forced to step into the political arena. Today politics has become a business and people’s aspirations and welfare are forgotten.
GT: Elections are today governed with money power, which you apparently lack. So how would you tackle this aspect?
MS: It is true that people have been voting for money. But then, there is a limit for everything, and in Goa, I think this is the limit, as people are today feeling insecure. Demographically, linguistically and culturally the Goan population is feeling threatened and isolated. The terms of minority and majority that were applied to religions earlier have taken a new meaning today with Goans, irrespective of their religious affiliations, fearing that they are turning into a minority in their own land.
GT: There is a perception that you are in the fray to play spoilsport.
MS: Spoil what? If projecting the right demands of the people is spoilsport, so be it. What is politics then, a game of manipulation of, for and by vested interests or is it to put the people’s interest first? These are the questions that people have to ask.
GT: How will the change in your party symbol effect you?
MS: I do admit that the change in the symbol is a little setback. But then the symbol may change, the person has not changed. I am still the same Matanhy who has been fighting for issues pertaining to Goa and Goans. But yes, we have to work a little harder and the people of South Goa have to think a little harder.
BJP manifesto promises special status for Goa
Following are the salient features of the Bharatiya Janata Party manifesto which was released in the city on Tuesday.
- Special status to retain cultural identity and integrity of the state
- Making Goa an ‘Educational Hub’
- Construction of new parallel bridge over Zuari
- Completion of Galgibag-Talpona bridge
- 4-laning of NH-17 with minimal damage to private property
- Rapid bus transport along Mapusa, Panjim, Vasco and Margao
- Special coridoor for scooters
- Up-gradation and extension of Dabolim airport
- Fast completion of greenfield airport at Mopa
- Reviewing MPT zone of jurisdiction and expansion
- Denotifying SEZs, changing SEZ law and cancelling Goa’s SEZs
- Stopping illegal mining
- Recruitment centre for Goa for all central sector jobs including Posts &Telegraphs
- Protection of STs by implementing Tribal Forest Act
Monday, April 13, 2009
Churchill promises to work for Sardinha
BY A GT REPORTER
MARGAO: Confusion in the Congress party in Goa was sorted out after AICC general secretary incharge of Goa desk, B K Hariprasad and PWD Minister Churchill Alemao held a meeting at Nanutel in the city on Sunday (April 12) evening.
State Congress leaders converged at the hotel to finalise arrangement for the public meeting to be addressed by AICC president Sonia Gandhi at Fatorda on April 15.
Churchill, who met Hariprasad is said to have agreed to follow the dictates of the Central leadership and work for the victory of party candidate Francisco Sardinha in South Goa.
When contacted, Churchill said that his meeting with the Central party observer was to finalise arrangements for Sonia's meeting in Goa. He denied having discussed any other issue including the disqualification petition filed by Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco against him and Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco who got elected on SGF ticket and later merged with the Congress after the 2007 assembly elections.
Addressing the media before meeting Churchill, Hariprasad claimed that the issue of the disqualification petition is not within his jurisdiction. As for Election Commission decision on SGF, Hariprasad stated that Churchill's views will be represented to the Election Commission.
Speaking on purpose of his visit to the state, Hariprasad stated that he had come to finalise arrangements for Sonia's forthcoming meeting in Goa and mobilise support to make the meeting successful.
On the failure of the party to honour the agreement to give his daughter Valanka the Lok Sabah ticket, the AICC general secretary clarified that there is party criteria in allotting tickets to candidates. Factors such as merit and winnability also are considered and guidelines are followed by the Congress Central Election Committee in deciding the allotment of tickets.
On the issue of Churchill blaming Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and the GPCC president, Subhash Shirodkar, the AICC general secretary said that the two are at the helm of affairs and enjoy support of party leaders. Although the two can suggest names for party ticket they are not authorised to decide candidates, he added.
Claiming that Churchill is his friend, Hariprasad said that his problem will be sorted out and that he would participate in campaign.
MARGAO: Confusion in the Congress party in Goa was sorted out after AICC general secretary incharge of Goa desk, B K Hariprasad and PWD Minister Churchill Alemao held a meeting at Nanutel in the city on Sunday (April 12) evening.
State Congress leaders converged at the hotel to finalise arrangement for the public meeting to be addressed by AICC president Sonia Gandhi at Fatorda on April 15.
Churchill, who met Hariprasad is said to have agreed to follow the dictates of the Central leadership and work for the victory of party candidate Francisco Sardinha in South Goa.
When contacted, Churchill said that his meeting with the Central party observer was to finalise arrangements for Sonia's meeting in Goa. He denied having discussed any other issue including the disqualification petition filed by Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco against him and Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco who got elected on SGF ticket and later merged with the Congress after the 2007 assembly elections.
Addressing the media before meeting Churchill, Hariprasad claimed that the issue of the disqualification petition is not within his jurisdiction. As for Election Commission decision on SGF, Hariprasad stated that Churchill's views will be represented to the Election Commission.
Speaking on purpose of his visit to the state, Hariprasad stated that he had come to finalise arrangements for Sonia's forthcoming meeting in Goa and mobilise support to make the meeting successful.
On the failure of the party to honour the agreement to give his daughter Valanka the Lok Sabah ticket, the AICC general secretary clarified that there is party criteria in allotting tickets to candidates. Factors such as merit and winnability also are considered and guidelines are followed by the Congress Central Election Committee in deciding the allotment of tickets.
On the issue of Churchill blaming Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and the GPCC president, Subhash Shirodkar, the AICC general secretary said that the two are at the helm of affairs and enjoy support of party leaders. Although the two can suggest names for party ticket they are not authorised to decide candidates, he added.
Claiming that Churchill is his friend, Hariprasad said that his problem will be sorted out and that he would participate in campaign.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
GCA to tap young talent in cricket
BY A GT SPORTS REPORTER
PANJIM: The Goa Cricket Association (GCA) has decided to shift focus to the under-12 and under-14 segment of the game.
Dayanand Narvekar, the president of GCA said that beginning from Monday a month-long exercise to tap talent (U-12, U-14 boys and women) would get underway at 12 centres in the state.
The centers include Mashem, Curchorem, Shiroda, Ponda, Bogda (Vasco), Aldona, Chapora, Mapusa, Sanquelim, Bicholim, Kancholem and Pernem. About 500 boys and girls are expected to turn out for the training schedule.
The camps would be conducted by 20 SAG coaches, who will oversee the training during the first quarter after which the number would be pruned to 15 in each category at each center. The second quarter would involve matches involving teams from all centers.
“So far we have concentrated on the under-13 players and then on to U-14 players. But we’ve found out during the last two years that though we have good players in the U-19 (category) basic talent was not available in the under-14 (section),” Narvekar said before adding that the idea of laying stress on the U-12 group was arrived at after a presentation made by Sandeep Naik.
Narvekar also informed that 5 GCA coaches, including the newest addition, Avinash Aware, will be supervising the camp. The SAG coaches would be paid a remuneration of Rs 10,000 each, while every club organizing the camp at the 12 centres would be given Rs 15000 in addition to the playing equipment.
Apart from Aware, and Raghuram Bhat (spin coach), who is already training the 25 players at Porvorim, Milind Gunjal will join the GCA roster as batting coach from April 5.
“The camp is not for GCA players, it is free for anybody and anybody,” Narvekar stressed.
At the end of the exercise, the GCA would retain 50 players in each category for further training, the GCA chief informed.
The GCA is also set to make functional its residential cricket academy at Porvorim (DIET ground) from July 2009. “The work is going on in full swing and it will take another 3 months to finish,” Narvekar said, while detailing out the parameters (of the sports policty) that would be required to make the participation more effective.
A gymnasium costing about Rs 80 lakh is also being put up at Povorim, according to Narvekar, who also spoke of `extensive laying of pitches’ at Porvorim, Shiroda and BITS Pilani (Sancoale), saying these are all turf grounds, which are done by noted BCCI (South Zone) curator Vishwanathan.
The mud for these pitches is being brought from the Godavari basin in Hyderabad, which would render them (pitches) sporting and expect a lot of bounce.
Goa may host ODI this year
If the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sticks to its rotation policy for awarding international matches, Goa would in all probability be awarded one in October this year.
Narvekar, said that Goa would be allotted an ODI involving either Australia or Sri Lanka, though the BCCI is yet to name the venues for matches during the visit of both the teams.
Preferring to host the Australia match, Narvekar said that the GCA has already alerted the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) and would take charge of the ground from May 20 so as to relay the entire pitch and get it ready in time for the ODI.
PANJIM: The Goa Cricket Association (GCA) has decided to shift focus to the under-12 and under-14 segment of the game.
Dayanand Narvekar, the president of GCA said that beginning from Monday a month-long exercise to tap talent (U-12, U-14 boys and women) would get underway at 12 centres in the state.
The centers include Mashem, Curchorem, Shiroda, Ponda, Bogda (Vasco), Aldona, Chapora, Mapusa, Sanquelim, Bicholim, Kancholem and Pernem. About 500 boys and girls are expected to turn out for the training schedule.
The camps would be conducted by 20 SAG coaches, who will oversee the training during the first quarter after which the number would be pruned to 15 in each category at each center. The second quarter would involve matches involving teams from all centers.
“So far we have concentrated on the under-13 players and then on to U-14 players. But we’ve found out during the last two years that though we have good players in the U-19 (category) basic talent was not available in the under-14 (section),” Narvekar said before adding that the idea of laying stress on the U-12 group was arrived at after a presentation made by Sandeep Naik.
Narvekar also informed that 5 GCA coaches, including the newest addition, Avinash Aware, will be supervising the camp. The SAG coaches would be paid a remuneration of Rs 10,000 each, while every club organizing the camp at the 12 centres would be given Rs 15000 in addition to the playing equipment.
Apart from Aware, and Raghuram Bhat (spin coach), who is already training the 25 players at Porvorim, Milind Gunjal will join the GCA roster as batting coach from April 5.
“The camp is not for GCA players, it is free for anybody and anybody,” Narvekar stressed.
At the end of the exercise, the GCA would retain 50 players in each category for further training, the GCA chief informed.
The GCA is also set to make functional its residential cricket academy at Porvorim (DIET ground) from July 2009. “The work is going on in full swing and it will take another 3 months to finish,” Narvekar said, while detailing out the parameters (of the sports policty) that would be required to make the participation more effective.
A gymnasium costing about Rs 80 lakh is also being put up at Povorim, according to Narvekar, who also spoke of `extensive laying of pitches’ at Porvorim, Shiroda and BITS Pilani (Sancoale), saying these are all turf grounds, which are done by noted BCCI (South Zone) curator Vishwanathan.
The mud for these pitches is being brought from the Godavari basin in Hyderabad, which would render them (pitches) sporting and expect a lot of bounce.
Goa may host ODI this year
If the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sticks to its rotation policy for awarding international matches, Goa would in all probability be awarded one in October this year.
Narvekar, said that Goa would be allotted an ODI involving either Australia or Sri Lanka, though the BCCI is yet to name the venues for matches during the visit of both the teams.
Preferring to host the Australia match, Narvekar said that the GCA has already alerted the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) and would take charge of the ground from May 20 so as to relay the entire pitch and get it ready in time for the ODI.
Willy unhappy with choice of Deshprabhu?
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Is Dr Wilfred de Souza unhappy with the decision to nominate Jitendra Deshprabhu as the NCP candidate for the North Goa parliamentary seat?
During a press conference, held on Thursday, the state NCP president evaded a direct reply whether he was happy with Deshprabhu's candidature or otherwise. "Persons meant to be happy are the people of Goa, North Goa in particular. It is their wish. If they wish, he (Deshprabhu) will win," said Dr de Souza.
When asked to judge Deshprabhu's candidature on the grounds of 'winnability', Dr de Souza replied, "Deshprabhu has been a member of the Goa legislative Assembly for two terms. I have seen his performance. His performance as a legislator is satisfactory. Under the present circumstances, I don't know what will be the impression in the minds of the people...whether happy or not, we have chosen a candidate. Now, we will have to work."
Elaborating further about the absence of a candidate from the NCP to contest the LS elections, Dr de Souza recounted the decisions of the State Executive Committee. "We had sent six names proposed by the state NCP Executive Committee. It was considered by the party High Command and they chose a third person (Deshprabhu)."
He also denied any compromise formula worked out between himself and the party High Command. "No. There is no compromise formula. My High Command and the Congress High Command decided on a coalition...they decided that we want a winnable candidate. We all sat and arrived at a formula."
Elaborating on the happenings at the national level and other such coalitions with the Congress which have fallen apart, Dr Willy informed that he received a message on Sunday from the NCP party High Command about sewing up the coalition at the state level. "Once I got the signal, I got in touch with Chief Minister Digambar Kamat. It was decided that a consensus candidate who will win has to be fielded.
PANJIM: Is Dr Wilfred de Souza unhappy with the decision to nominate Jitendra Deshprabhu as the NCP candidate for the North Goa parliamentary seat?
During a press conference, held on Thursday, the state NCP president evaded a direct reply whether he was happy with Deshprabhu's candidature or otherwise. "Persons meant to be happy are the people of Goa, North Goa in particular. It is their wish. If they wish, he (Deshprabhu) will win," said Dr de Souza.
When asked to judge Deshprabhu's candidature on the grounds of 'winnability', Dr de Souza replied, "Deshprabhu has been a member of the Goa legislative Assembly for two terms. I have seen his performance. His performance as a legislator is satisfactory. Under the present circumstances, I don't know what will be the impression in the minds of the people...whether happy or not, we have chosen a candidate. Now, we will have to work."
Elaborating further about the absence of a candidate from the NCP to contest the LS elections, Dr de Souza recounted the decisions of the State Executive Committee. "We had sent six names proposed by the state NCP Executive Committee. It was considered by the party High Command and they chose a third person (Deshprabhu)."
He also denied any compromise formula worked out between himself and the party High Command. "No. There is no compromise formula. My High Command and the Congress High Command decided on a coalition...they decided that we want a winnable candidate. We all sat and arrived at a formula."
Elaborating on the happenings at the national level and other such coalitions with the Congress which have fallen apart, Dr Willy informed that he received a message on Sunday from the NCP party High Command about sewing up the coalition at the state level. "Once I got the signal, I got in touch with Chief Minister Digambar Kamat. It was decided that a consensus candidate who will win has to be fielded.
Cong-NCP will bag both seats: Kamat
BY A GT REPORTER
MARGAO: A gung-ho Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat, on Thursday (April 2) exuded confidence that Congress nominee in South Goa, the sitting MP, Francisco Sardinha and, Congress-NCP combine would net both the seats from Goa in the April 23 Lok Sabha polls.
Addressing the media soon after Sardinha filed his nominations for the South Goa parliamentary seat, Kamat recalled that Sardinha had scored a 40,000-vote victory in the 2007 by-poll despite the low turnout, and that in the Pale assembly bye-poll, too, Congress' Pratap Gawas won comfortably.
“Even if the voter turnout is just 60 per cent, the party will get a 80,000-vote lead in South Goa," Kamat said.
Sardinha, who is contesting the seat for the third time said, “everyone is united and Congress will win without doubt.”
The BJP has already conceded defeat, he said pointing out to remarks attributed to BJP's national leader Sushma Sawaraj in Madhya Pradesh (MP).
Replying to questions, Sardinha claimed he released Rs 72-75 lakh for development works in the last one-and-a-half year in the constituency, including distributing computers and projectors to schools under the MPLAD scheme.
Sardinha also admitted his failure to fulfill the assurance on 'dhirios', but added that he did introduce a private member's bill in Parliament which has lapsed. "Being the property of the House it will be re-introduced when elected, in the very first session," he promised.
Other priorities listed on his agenda, Sardinha said, were a parallel Zuari bridge as well as the twin bridges across the Talpona and Galgibag rivers in Canacona taluka that would complete the “golden quadrilateral.”
Delhi to decide Churchill's fate
"We live in a democracy,” was GPCC chief, Subhash Shirodkar’s response to a query whether the meeting organised by PWD Minister Churchill Alemao in Margao would attract disciplinary action. He said responsibility to deal with the situation lay with the high command.
Kamat however clarified, “The Congress candidate is always declared by the person in-charge of the respective AICC desk in the Delhi headquarters.”
Kamat said, Sardinha's name was declared by Oscar Fernandes two days ago in a bid to rubbish the controversy regarding the 'unconfirmed candidate' that had been created during Churchill's meet on March 31.
The chief minister also strongly refuted allegations that he (Kamat) was party to any agreement signed in favour of allotting the South Goa Congress ticket to Churchill's daughter Valanka.
He claimed that the document that was displayed by the PWD minister during the public meeting was valid only during the merger of the regional SGF party, which failed to take place.
MARGAO: A gung-ho Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat, on Thursday (April 2) exuded confidence that Congress nominee in South Goa, the sitting MP, Francisco Sardinha and, Congress-NCP combine would net both the seats from Goa in the April 23 Lok Sabha polls.
Addressing the media soon after Sardinha filed his nominations for the South Goa parliamentary seat, Kamat recalled that Sardinha had scored a 40,000-vote victory in the 2007 by-poll despite the low turnout, and that in the Pale assembly bye-poll, too, Congress' Pratap Gawas won comfortably.
“Even if the voter turnout is just 60 per cent, the party will get a 80,000-vote lead in South Goa," Kamat said.
Sardinha, who is contesting the seat for the third time said, “everyone is united and Congress will win without doubt.”
The BJP has already conceded defeat, he said pointing out to remarks attributed to BJP's national leader Sushma Sawaraj in Madhya Pradesh (MP).
Replying to questions, Sardinha claimed he released Rs 72-75 lakh for development works in the last one-and-a-half year in the constituency, including distributing computers and projectors to schools under the MPLAD scheme.
Sardinha also admitted his failure to fulfill the assurance on 'dhirios', but added that he did introduce a private member's bill in Parliament which has lapsed. "Being the property of the House it will be re-introduced when elected, in the very first session," he promised.
Other priorities listed on his agenda, Sardinha said, were a parallel Zuari bridge as well as the twin bridges across the Talpona and Galgibag rivers in Canacona taluka that would complete the “golden quadrilateral.”
Delhi to decide Churchill's fate
"We live in a democracy,” was GPCC chief, Subhash Shirodkar’s response to a query whether the meeting organised by PWD Minister Churchill Alemao in Margao would attract disciplinary action. He said responsibility to deal with the situation lay with the high command.
Kamat however clarified, “The Congress candidate is always declared by the person in-charge of the respective AICC desk in the Delhi headquarters.”
Kamat said, Sardinha's name was declared by Oscar Fernandes two days ago in a bid to rubbish the controversy regarding the 'unconfirmed candidate' that had been created during Churchill's meet on March 31.
The chief minister also strongly refuted allegations that he (Kamat) was party to any agreement signed in favour of allotting the South Goa Congress ticket to Churchill's daughter Valanka.
He claimed that the document that was displayed by the PWD minister during the public meeting was valid only during the merger of the regional SGF party, which failed to take place.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
PSI Albuquerque back on the force, but...
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: The Bombay High Court at Goa on Wednesday (April 1) revoked the dismissal of Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Nerlon Albuquerque, the officer who was expelled from the force, for allegedly sabotaging the Scarlett Keeling investigation.
The division bench however did not interfere with Albuquerque’s ‘suspension’ but granted him liberty to propose a review application to Goa Police on it.
The bench comprising of Justices P Majmudar and U Salvi in their order added, that the department could hold a fresh disciplinary enquiry against the suspended PSI Nerlon for the alleged lapses he committed while investigating the Scarlett Keeling Eden case.
The Court further ordered that the fresh inquiry, should however be concluded within a period of five months, that is, by August 31. Moreover, the court ruled that Albuquerque could avail of his benefits within the enquiry period.
Interestingly, the Advocate General Subodh Kantak had earlier told the Court that the government would withdraw the dismissal order issued by the former Inspector General of Police Kishan Kumar against PSI Albuquerque, last year.
It may be recalled, that the Goa Police had ordered a departmental inquiry, before dismissing the officer, after he was accused of allegedly botching up the investigations into the British teenager’s death.
The deceased’s mother, Fiona Mackeown had subsequently raised questions about the initial inquiry conducted by the Anjuna police, after which PI Braz Menezes replaced Nerlon.
The case was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in June.
Albuquerque had challenged his dismissal in the High Court, arguing that he was deprived of the opportunity to defend himself and that his dismissal was a result of media pressure and interference by certain politicians.
PANJIM: The Bombay High Court at Goa on Wednesday (April 1) revoked the dismissal of Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Nerlon Albuquerque, the officer who was expelled from the force, for allegedly sabotaging the Scarlett Keeling investigation.
The division bench however did not interfere with Albuquerque’s ‘suspension’ but granted him liberty to propose a review application to Goa Police on it.
The bench comprising of Justices P Majmudar and U Salvi in their order added, that the department could hold a fresh disciplinary enquiry against the suspended PSI Nerlon for the alleged lapses he committed while investigating the Scarlett Keeling Eden case.
The Court further ordered that the fresh inquiry, should however be concluded within a period of five months, that is, by August 31. Moreover, the court ruled that Albuquerque could avail of his benefits within the enquiry period.
Interestingly, the Advocate General Subodh Kantak had earlier told the Court that the government would withdraw the dismissal order issued by the former Inspector General of Police Kishan Kumar against PSI Albuquerque, last year.
It may be recalled, that the Goa Police had ordered a departmental inquiry, before dismissing the officer, after he was accused of allegedly botching up the investigations into the British teenager’s death.
The deceased’s mother, Fiona Mackeown had subsequently raised questions about the initial inquiry conducted by the Anjuna police, after which PI Braz Menezes replaced Nerlon.
The case was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in June.
Albuquerque had challenged his dismissal in the High Court, arguing that he was deprived of the opportunity to defend himself and that his dismissal was a result of media pressure and interference by certain politicians.
Mickky-Joaquim clash at Cong HQ
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Hardly had the dust settled over the Congress-NCP tug-of-war for the North Goa seat, a wordy duel broke out at the Congress headquarters here between Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao and Tourism Minister Francisco (Mickky) Pacheco, at a joint meeting of the two parties to chart out the alliance’s electioneering strategy.
The meeting was called by the GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar at the Congress office on Wednesday (April 1), Panjim, to decide strategy and finalise meetings in all the assembly segments of South Goa Parliamentary constituency. Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, MP Francisco Sardinha and most of the legislators were present.
The trouble began when South Goa MP, Francisco Sardinha made a plea for support from all to ensure his re-election. This evoked an instantaneous reaction from Mickky, who recalled that some Congress ministers and MLAs had ditched him in the by-election.
Mickky also claimed he had ample evidence to prove his charge. He also brought to Sardinha’s notice that some Congress ministers were still working against him and urged him to bring them in line, making it obvious that he was referring to PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, who incidentally was not present.
This apparently annoyed Joaquim who demanded that Mickky should substantiate his charges, and that’s when Mickky shot back: “Please, I’m not talking to you. I’m talking to Sardinha and the Chief Minister,” Mickky said much to the chagrin of Joaquim who in a fit of anger abused him.
This resulted in both abusing each other in unquotable language and the scene almost came to blows even as others tried to pacify them, sources said.
Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza pacified Mickky even as both of them along with Praful Hede walked out of the hall anguished over the incident.
The Chief Minister, Shirodkar and Sardinha rushed out of the room and requested them to cool down. But the NCP leaders felt they were invited for the meeting and were insulted and demanded apology from Joaquim.
As Joaquim refused to apologise for the incident, all the NCP members including Tivim MLA, Nilkant Halarnkar, former Minister Surendra Sirsat and Adv Avinash Bhosale left the venue. NCP’s state unit president, Dr Wilfred de Souza, did not attend the meeting, as he was reportedly indisposed.
In the process, the meeting of legislators from North Goa could not be held. All of the NCP members later met in a city hotel and threatened to chalk out their future strategy if the Congress failed to adhere to ‘coalition dharma.’
GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar refused to comment on the incident.
“What way is it news for the media. Friends today clash and become friends again tomorrow,” he said, adding that the meeting mainly finalised the campaigning programme in South Goa starting from April 5.
Meanwhile, Sardinha will file his nomination papers before the returning officer at Margao at 12 noon today (April 2). Former Minister Domnic Fernandes will also file nomination papers as a dummy candidate, party sources informed.
Jitendra Deshprabhu who has been chosen as NCP nominee for North Goa constituency will resign from the Congress file his nomination papers on Thursday (April 3).
PANJIM: Hardly had the dust settled over the Congress-NCP tug-of-war for the North Goa seat, a wordy duel broke out at the Congress headquarters here between Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao and Tourism Minister Francisco (Mickky) Pacheco, at a joint meeting of the two parties to chart out the alliance’s electioneering strategy.
The meeting was called by the GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar at the Congress office on Wednesday (April 1), Panjim, to decide strategy and finalise meetings in all the assembly segments of South Goa Parliamentary constituency. Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, MP Francisco Sardinha and most of the legislators were present.
The trouble began when South Goa MP, Francisco Sardinha made a plea for support from all to ensure his re-election. This evoked an instantaneous reaction from Mickky, who recalled that some Congress ministers and MLAs had ditched him in the by-election.
Mickky also claimed he had ample evidence to prove his charge. He also brought to Sardinha’s notice that some Congress ministers were still working against him and urged him to bring them in line, making it obvious that he was referring to PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, who incidentally was not present.
This apparently annoyed Joaquim who demanded that Mickky should substantiate his charges, and that’s when Mickky shot back: “Please, I’m not talking to you. I’m talking to Sardinha and the Chief Minister,” Mickky said much to the chagrin of Joaquim who in a fit of anger abused him.
This resulted in both abusing each other in unquotable language and the scene almost came to blows even as others tried to pacify them, sources said.
Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza pacified Mickky even as both of them along with Praful Hede walked out of the hall anguished over the incident.
The Chief Minister, Shirodkar and Sardinha rushed out of the room and requested them to cool down. But the NCP leaders felt they were invited for the meeting and were insulted and demanded apology from Joaquim.
As Joaquim refused to apologise for the incident, all the NCP members including Tivim MLA, Nilkant Halarnkar, former Minister Surendra Sirsat and Adv Avinash Bhosale left the venue. NCP’s state unit president, Dr Wilfred de Souza, did not attend the meeting, as he was reportedly indisposed.
In the process, the meeting of legislators from North Goa could not be held. All of the NCP members later met in a city hotel and threatened to chalk out their future strategy if the Congress failed to adhere to ‘coalition dharma.’
GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar refused to comment on the incident.
“What way is it news for the media. Friends today clash and become friends again tomorrow,” he said, adding that the meeting mainly finalised the campaigning programme in South Goa starting from April 5.
Meanwhile, Sardinha will file his nomination papers before the returning officer at Margao at 12 noon today (April 2). Former Minister Domnic Fernandes will also file nomination papers as a dummy candidate, party sources informed.
Jitendra Deshprabhu who has been chosen as NCP nominee for North Goa constituency will resign from the Congress file his nomination papers on Thursday (April 3).
Hard days ahead for stone crushing industry
BY NILESH KHANDEPARKAR
PANJIM: The wheels of crusher industry are grinding in full swing. And, with it, the man behind the wheel is rejoicing. But, given the situation facing this industry, it may soon fall on bad days.
For 34 years now, Ragvendra Bhat owns two crushers in St Jose de Areal. Ipso facto, he knows the crusher industry like the back of his palm. A reason why he is the Secretary of the South Goa Crushers Association.
Facts of the case
Approximately a year ago, industrial chieftains in the crusher industry were forced to sit up and take notice. It all started with a petition filed in the High Court (HC) against the crushers located in St Jose de Areal, Gudi-Paroda and Sarzora by one Elcee Da Costa, a South Goa resident.
Highly placed sources in the legal fraternity told GT that HC converted this petition to include the entire state of Goa. In simple words, crushers in the whole of Goa came under judicial scanner.
“It directed the state government to file a report on the crusher industry. The government reverted, promising proceedings under Section 31 and Section 33 of the Land Revenue Code,” said a source in the legal fraternity. While the Court granted a time frame of six months with effect from September 2008 for the state government to file the aforesaid report, the government asked for another extension of the time limit as the deadline was breathing down its neck.
“The High Court granted an extended time limit of five months with effect from March 09,” said the source.
Meanwhile, even as the HC extended the deadline, the government released a circular exempting crusher industry from land conversion sanad with retrospective effect. The extended deadline of five months expires in August 2009. Interestingly, the petition is still pending before the HC.
About the industry
Stepping into the crusher industry involves obtaining a host of licences. According to highly placed sources in this industry, what starts with a Panchayat NOC also involves obtaining a licence from the Small Scale Industries Department, Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and relevant property documents.
“The HC wanted to know whether all crushers had the requisite licence from the GSPCB. Around 30 crushers did no possess this licence. Thereafter, all crusher owners took care to obtain all the relevant licences,” adds Bhat.
Sources say the petitioner’s main grouse was related to the pollution aspect as well. “All crushers/quarries are situated in non-industrial zones like agricultural zone, social forestry, cultivable areas and next to settlement zones,” said the top legal source.
At the other end of the spectrum, crusher owners stood their ground. “My crusher started its operations in 1973 at a time when the conversion sanad was not essential. What was earlier a non-settlement area turned into a settlement zone much later,” claimed Bhat.
Business model
Briefly put, the crusher industry works this way. Black stone is extracted from hills -- a job entrusted to the quarry industry. The stone so extracted -- a large structure -- is then broken down into manageable smaller units. These are then transferred to crushers for further reducing their size into manageable ballast.
The ballast has various uses -- in the construction industry, roads, etc. It also varies in size depending on its use. So, we have different sizes of ballast: half inch, three-fourth inch, 1.5 inches, 2 inches and so on. Bigger boulders are also used in large constructions.
“For generating ballast of four trucks per day, raw material to the tune of six trucks in the form of stone from quarries is required as an input on a daily basis. The crusher industry works on a seasonal basis, closed in the monsoons as extraction of stone from quarries becomes impossible due to inclement weather,” informs Bhat.
Yet another top source from the crusher industry adds: “The building industry has to continue. If the crusher industry in Goa falls on bad days and has to close down, ballast from neighbouring states like Maharashtra and Karnataka will fill the vacuum.”
Hard Facts
(Source: R P Bhat, secretary, South Goa Crushers Association)
PANJIM: The wheels of crusher industry are grinding in full swing. And, with it, the man behind the wheel is rejoicing. But, given the situation facing this industry, it may soon fall on bad days.
For 34 years now, Ragvendra Bhat owns two crushers in St Jose de Areal. Ipso facto, he knows the crusher industry like the back of his palm. A reason why he is the Secretary of the South Goa Crushers Association.
Facts of the case
Approximately a year ago, industrial chieftains in the crusher industry were forced to sit up and take notice. It all started with a petition filed in the High Court (HC) against the crushers located in St Jose de Areal, Gudi-Paroda and Sarzora by one Elcee Da Costa, a South Goa resident.
Highly placed sources in the legal fraternity told GT that HC converted this petition to include the entire state of Goa. In simple words, crushers in the whole of Goa came under judicial scanner.
“It directed the state government to file a report on the crusher industry. The government reverted, promising proceedings under Section 31 and Section 33 of the Land Revenue Code,” said a source in the legal fraternity. While the Court granted a time frame of six months with effect from September 2008 for the state government to file the aforesaid report, the government asked for another extension of the time limit as the deadline was breathing down its neck.
“The High Court granted an extended time limit of five months with effect from March 09,” said the source.
Meanwhile, even as the HC extended the deadline, the government released a circular exempting crusher industry from land conversion sanad with retrospective effect. The extended deadline of five months expires in August 2009. Interestingly, the petition is still pending before the HC.
About the industry
Stepping into the crusher industry involves obtaining a host of licences. According to highly placed sources in this industry, what starts with a Panchayat NOC also involves obtaining a licence from the Small Scale Industries Department, Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and relevant property documents.
“The HC wanted to know whether all crushers had the requisite licence from the GSPCB. Around 30 crushers did no possess this licence. Thereafter, all crusher owners took care to obtain all the relevant licences,” adds Bhat.
Sources say the petitioner’s main grouse was related to the pollution aspect as well. “All crushers/quarries are situated in non-industrial zones like agricultural zone, social forestry, cultivable areas and next to settlement zones,” said the top legal source.
At the other end of the spectrum, crusher owners stood their ground. “My crusher started its operations in 1973 at a time when the conversion sanad was not essential. What was earlier a non-settlement area turned into a settlement zone much later,” claimed Bhat.
Business model
Briefly put, the crusher industry works this way. Black stone is extracted from hills -- a job entrusted to the quarry industry. The stone so extracted -- a large structure -- is then broken down into manageable smaller units. These are then transferred to crushers for further reducing their size into manageable ballast.
The ballast has various uses -- in the construction industry, roads, etc. It also varies in size depending on its use. So, we have different sizes of ballast: half inch, three-fourth inch, 1.5 inches, 2 inches and so on. Bigger boulders are also used in large constructions.
“For generating ballast of four trucks per day, raw material to the tune of six trucks in the form of stone from quarries is required as an input on a daily basis. The crusher industry works on a seasonal basis, closed in the monsoons as extraction of stone from quarries becomes impossible due to inclement weather,” informs Bhat.
Yet another top source from the crusher industry adds: “The building industry has to continue. If the crusher industry in Goa falls on bad days and has to close down, ballast from neighbouring states like Maharashtra and Karnataka will fill the vacuum.”
Hard Facts
- Total crushers in Goa: 200 (approx)
- Total crushers in South Goa: 50
- Turnover of one crusher per day: Rs 3,000
- Net profit per day: 10% of the above
- Employment potential (direct): 12 labourers
- Indirect employment: Drivers, cleaners, mechanics, stone cutters, stone extractors
- Total employment (direct & indirect) in crusher industry: 2,500 (approx)
- Location of crushers in S Goa: St Jose de Areal, Sanguem, Sanvordem, Balli
- Location of crushers in N Goa: Valpoi, Pale, Guleli
(Source: R P Bhat, secretary, South Goa Crushers Association)
Churchill's Margao meet a damp squib
BY A GT REPORTER
MARGAO: The much-touted public meeting at Lohia Maidan here called by PWD Minister, ostensibly to ‘expose’ two Congress leaders who sabotaged the chances of his lawyer-daughter, Valanka, of getting the party ticket for the South Goa seat, lacked the expected fire-works.
The meeting, held on Tuesday (March 31) however drew the crowds as all Churchill Alemao shows do.
What however created a flutter at the meeting was the presence of two persons, one N K Sharma and another Vinay Bopana, who were portrayed as ‘Congress observers’ and an impression was sought to be created that the South Goa ticket to sitting MP Francisco Sardinha was still not finalised.
Sharma, who addressed the meeting, claimed that he would convey the sentiments of pro-Valanka supporters to the Congress leaders in Delhi.
But when approached by the media later, Sharma admitted that he was on a ‘personal visit’ to Goa but refused to comment on whether he had any authority to make statements that the ticket for South Goa could be changed and is under review.
The meeting, organised under the ‘Congress-I Workers Meeting’ banner, meanwhile, attracted a sizeable crowd mostly ladies belonging to the OBC community, some ferried to the venue in pick-ups and curious spectators eager to know Churchill’s stance after failing to get the ticket for Valanka.
On this score, however, it turned out to be a total ‘anti-climax’. Churchill merely said, he is with the Congress and exhorted his supporters to vote for the Congress.
Churchill devoted much of his speech at the meet to explain the circumstances of his own exit and re-entrie from and to the Congress party. He quipped that “the people safeguarded me” though detractors in the party had sought to end his political career.
He also issued a veiled warning that he could “topple the state government” but would not do so since he had the support of central party leaders such as AICC president Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Ambika Soni.
He also justified his bid to gain a nomination for Valanka by quoting AICC general secretary, Rahul Gandhi’s view in favour of allotting tickets to youth. Valanka was a ‘good fighter’ and a capable candidate for the seat, he added.
Churchill also displayed a sheet of paper to the crowd, which he claimed was the ‘agreement’ in which the Lok Sabha ticket was assured for Valanka. The pact was reached at the time of Save Goa Front’s merger into the Congress.
Curtorim MLA Alexio Reginaldo Lourenco, although refraining from taking names, took a dig at South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha, who has been re-nominated, by mentioning his success in getting the bill on dhirios passed in the Goa legislative assembly. He nevertheless ended his speech, assuring to work for the Congress.
MARGAO: The much-touted public meeting at Lohia Maidan here called by PWD Minister, ostensibly to ‘expose’ two Congress leaders who sabotaged the chances of his lawyer-daughter, Valanka, of getting the party ticket for the South Goa seat, lacked the expected fire-works.
The meeting, held on Tuesday (March 31) however drew the crowds as all Churchill Alemao shows do.
What however created a flutter at the meeting was the presence of two persons, one N K Sharma and another Vinay Bopana, who were portrayed as ‘Congress observers’ and an impression was sought to be created that the South Goa ticket to sitting MP Francisco Sardinha was still not finalised.
Sharma, who addressed the meeting, claimed that he would convey the sentiments of pro-Valanka supporters to the Congress leaders in Delhi.
But when approached by the media later, Sharma admitted that he was on a ‘personal visit’ to Goa but refused to comment on whether he had any authority to make statements that the ticket for South Goa could be changed and is under review.
The meeting, organised under the ‘Congress-I Workers Meeting’ banner, meanwhile, attracted a sizeable crowd mostly ladies belonging to the OBC community, some ferried to the venue in pick-ups and curious spectators eager to know Churchill’s stance after failing to get the ticket for Valanka.
On this score, however, it turned out to be a total ‘anti-climax’. Churchill merely said, he is with the Congress and exhorted his supporters to vote for the Congress.
Churchill devoted much of his speech at the meet to explain the circumstances of his own exit and re-entrie from and to the Congress party. He quipped that “the people safeguarded me” though detractors in the party had sought to end his political career.
He also issued a veiled warning that he could “topple the state government” but would not do so since he had the support of central party leaders such as AICC president Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Ambika Soni.
He also justified his bid to gain a nomination for Valanka by quoting AICC general secretary, Rahul Gandhi’s view in favour of allotting tickets to youth. Valanka was a ‘good fighter’ and a capable candidate for the seat, he added.
Churchill also displayed a sheet of paper to the crowd, which he claimed was the ‘agreement’ in which the Lok Sabha ticket was assured for Valanka. The pact was reached at the time of Save Goa Front’s merger into the Congress.
Curtorim MLA Alexio Reginaldo Lourenco, although refraining from taking names, took a dig at South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha, who has been re-nominated, by mentioning his success in getting the bill on dhirios passed in the Goa legislative assembly. He nevertheless ended his speech, assuring to work for the Congress.
Khalap calls NK Sharma imposter
BY A GT STAFF REPORTER
PANJIM: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) spokesman Ramakant Khalap on Tuesday (March 31) described K Sharma, who claimed to be a political advisor to AICC president Sonia Gandhi, as an imposter.
“The party has not deputed anyone to Goa. Sharma is best described as an imposter,” Khalap told media persons at Congress House.
According to Khalap, the said Sharma spoke to the media relating to South Goa Congress candidate for the Lok Sabha polls.
He said GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar telephoned AICC in-charge of Goa desk, B K Hariprasad, who denied deputing any such person to Goa.
“Sharma is not a representative of the AICC. In case of a visit by any Congress functionary, the GPCC is pre-informed about his identity, designation, itinerary, purpose of visit, etc,” he said.
He said the seriousness of the issue will be probed and steps over lodging a police complaint will be considered.
PANJIM: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) spokesman Ramakant Khalap on Tuesday (March 31) described K Sharma, who claimed to be a political advisor to AICC president Sonia Gandhi, as an imposter.
“The party has not deputed anyone to Goa. Sharma is best described as an imposter,” Khalap told media persons at Congress House.
According to Khalap, the said Sharma spoke to the media relating to South Goa Congress candidate for the Lok Sabha polls.
He said GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar telephoned AICC in-charge of Goa desk, B K Hariprasad, who denied deputing any such person to Goa.
“Sharma is not a representative of the AICC. In case of a visit by any Congress functionary, the GPCC is pre-informed about his identity, designation, itinerary, purpose of visit, etc,” he said.
He said the seriousness of the issue will be probed and steps over lodging a police complaint will be considered.
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