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?”
Friday, April 17, 2009
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.
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