Vishwajit Rane – Valpoi, Poriem, Mayem & Bicholim
Babu Kavlekar – Quepem, Sanguem, Canacona, Cuncolim
Babush Monseratte – Panaji, Taliegao, St Cruz, St Andre, Cumbharjua
Michael Lobo – Calangute, Saligao, Siolim, Mapusa, porvorim, Thivim
Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which once called itself the disciplined party, seems to have lost somewhere in transit.
After the late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s departure and the arrival of 12 Congressmen in the party, it seems to have had a catastrophic effect on the party functioning. So much so that the Big Man Sanghatan Mantri, known as “The Don” in the party, seems helpless in the situation.
With the elections fast approaching, the demand for party tickets keeps growing.
While the BJP cadres have been sidelined, the turncoats seem to be ruling the roost for now.
At least four of the BJP Ministers and an MLA are seeking 4-5 seats for family members and friends – assuring the party of victories.
The four are Vishwajit Rane – also known as Baba of Sattari, Babu Kavlekar, Babush Monseratte and Michael Lobo, nicknamed Bobo for his frequent media statements.
Vishwajit Rane – The Baba
Also known as the Prince of Sattari, Vishwajit Rane now has his eyes on the Chief Minister’s chair. He has been demanding at least three seats for his men.
Baba wants, Poriem for wife (incise his father Pratapsing Rane does not contest), Valpoi for himself> Besides, he also has eyes set on Mayem and Bicholim seat. Also, Vishwajit can indeed damage the prospects of CM Dr Pramod Sawant in Sanquelim.
Chandrakant Kavlekar – The Babu
Similarly, Babu Kavlekar also wants three to four seats in Sanguem, Quepem and Canacona taluka.
Besides his own Quepem seat, Babu Kavlekar is also interested in the Sanguem seat for his wife Savitri – who lost in 2017 to Deepak Pauskar, Canacona and Cuncolim.
Atanasio Monseratte – Babush
Known as King of Tiswadi, Babush wants to lead all seats in Tiswadi taluka – Panaji for himself, Taleigao for wife Minister Jennifer Monseratte. He also wants St Cruz, St Andre and also has eyes set on Cumbharjua seat.
Talks are also on of Babush introducing his son Rohit Monseratte, currently CCP Mayor, in active politics. Babush may launch Rohit from St Cruz; It is being rumoured.
Many BJP leaders are against it as the former Panaji MLA clearly stating that Goa does not need “Mummy-Daddy politics”.
Michael Lobo – Bobo
Michael Lobo, the Minister for Waste Management and Ports, has gained the nickname due to his media outbursts.
He recently stated that his wife Delilah Lobo would stake claim for party ticket from Siolim or Saligao. This has ruffled many feathers in BJP.
Besides his seat of Calangute, Michael wants charge of Siolim, Saligao, Porvorim, Thivim and Mapusa.
His expansion plans have not gone well with many sitting BJP MLAs, including Joshua D’Souza, Glenn Ticlo. Interestingly, the grapevine suggests Goa Forward MLA Jayesh Salgaocar is expected to join BJP at the fag end of this term and contest from Saligao.
However, it is said that Lobo was the one who has blocked his entry into BJP.
Rumours are also rife that if the wife is denied a ticket and his proposal for Bardez is not accepted, he will jump ship to Congress.
BJP in Catch-22 situation
Many of the BJP cadres who have been sidelined have openly revolted against granting more than one ticket to any MLA or Ministers.
It is now also being said that if the party approves the dynasty politics to regain powers, many young leaders will exit the party fold.
Following a feud between CM Pramod Sawant and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, the party rushed BL Santhosh to Goa following a lower-than-expected performance under the leadership of CM Pramod Sawant.
The exit of the Goa Forward Party from the NDA has already dented the BJP’s prospects, and the challenge being posed by Goa health minister Vishwajit Rane, a former Congress leader, is no cause for comfort either.