------------------------------------------------------------------------ TRI Continental Film Festival - Dona Paula, Goa, Sep 28 - Oct 2, 2007
http://www.moviesgoa.org/tricontinental/tricon.htm For public viewing. Registration at The International Centre Goa. (Ph: +91-832-2452805 to 10) Online Media Partner: http://www.GOANET.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Valanka may kick-off storm against Alemaos BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 26 Even as suspense continues over the Congress candidate for the Mormugao Lok Sabha bye-polls with Save Goa Front supremo Churchill Alemao staking his claim for the Congress ticket for his lawyer daughter Valanka Congress is abuzz with talk of a repeat of Joaquim Alemao if the Congress High Command surrenders the seat to the Alemaos. In fact, senior Congress and Youth Congress leaders from Salcete who were at the receiving end of the SGF supremo in the past in private consider the October 30 bye-poll as an opportunity to show the Alemaos their place. Already, Congressmen are reported to be openly talking of rebellion against the Alemaos at party meetings, over Valankas prospects of getting the ticket. And, they show no hesitation in recalling how Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao was made to bite the dust in the 1999 LS polls to BJPs Ramakant Angle, due to rebellion within the Congress. Even political analysts foresee the possibility of a gang-up against the Alemaos this bye-poll to ensure the Varca-based family does not become overtly too powerful. Apart from Congress leaders, many foresee political parties working in unison in their bid to cut the Alemaos to size. This is one reason why the political parties have so far shied away from declaring their candidates as they keenly await the Congress to first clear its candidate for the seat. Many say that despite the criticism that the Alemaos are promoting family dynasty, Valanka on the Congress ticket would no doubt be a strong candidate. This may bring the anti-Alemao forces, including Congress leaders, to exploit the resentment and turn the tide against the Alemaos. Churchills outbursts against a section of clergy on his changing political sides and his role in the casino boat row have alienated a sizeable core Congress vote bank. Again, anti-Alemao groups say though the minority community is opposed to the BJP or its leader Manohar Parrikar, these questions are unlikely to cut much ice since the South Goa seat will neither ensure return of Parrikar to power nor dislodge the Congress government at the Centre. Churchill Alemao, when contacted, was apparently aware of the sabotage being hatched in Congress circles. But, he asserted in his inimitable style I do not depend on the leaders, but the people. The leaders do not vote, but the people. The EVMs will show to these leaders that the people are with Churchill. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=1804&cid=2 Sanny de Quepem <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com
