By Irfan Iqbal Gheta
Political grandstanding is one of the most effective weapons in the playbook of any political party. When two political heavyweights from rival camps claim credit for development projects in overlapping constituencies, you know that the countdown to the elections has begun.
Tuesday saw a lot of excitement in the political circles of Goa. The politicking over the launch of a development project at Rose Circle Ground, Sada, is a sign of things to come in the years leading up to the Goa Assembly Elections 2027.
Who doesn’t know the incumbent Mormugao BJP MLA, Shri Bab Sankalp Amonkar? The recent political history of Goa bears witness to the manner in which Sankalp Bab—fighting on a Congress ticket—defeated the then BJP MLA, Shri Bab Milind Naik, in the Goa Assembly Elections 2022. It was a dream-come-true moment for Sankalp Bab, who has assiduously built his reputation as a go-getter over the years.
Then came a shocking—but not so surprising—twist in the tale. We all know how he, along with others, defected to the ruling party. Ever since, he has been maintaining a low profile. Now, sensing an opportunity for a cabinet berth under the leadership of Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji, Sankalp Bab is making his presence felt.
He launched a no-holds-barred attack on the incumbent South Goa MP, Shri Viriato Fernandes Bab of Congress. The occasion was the launch of a development project at Rose Circle Ground, Sada. Sankalp Bab minced no words in letting his constituents know that it was thanks to his efforts that this development project was seeing the light of day.
It was a clever move on the part of the Mormugao MLA. He does not want the South Goa MP to claim any credit for the work that he has initiated. The same factor was at play at the Fatorda Karyakarta Melava a few days ago. The theme was similar.
Whether you like it or not, it is the ruling BJP and its MLAs under the leadership of Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji who are initiating development projects across Goa for the overall development of the state. Nobody else (read: non-BJP MLAs) should claim credit for them. If they want to claim credit, they should accept the challenge of a public debate with the incumbent BJP MLAs or party functionaries.
South Goa MP Viriato Bab gave as good as he got. In a desperate bid to put up a brave face, Viriato Bab read out a laundry list of insinuations against the incumbent Mormugao MLA. He accepted the challenge to show up at the temple of the revered Shri Damodar Bab for the proposed public debate as well.
Indeed, interesting times lie ahead for Goa and its political watchers. Politicians cutting across party lines will try to outdo and outsmart each other in the race for power. Allegations and counter-allegations will fly thick and fast. Supporters will raise slogans and throw their lot behind their respective leaders.
Be that as it may, it is a do-or-die battle for every politician worth his or her salt. There are no free lunches. Work hard and earn your place. As simple as that.
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