-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | Goanetters annual meet in Goa is scheduled for Dec 27, 2005 @ 4pm | | | |The Riviera Opposite Hotel Mandovi, Panjim (near Ferry Jetty/Riverfront)| | Attending.......drop a line to [EMAIL PROTECTED] | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Days after Mr Filipe Neri Rodrigues MLA Velim celebrated Christmas donning the Ministerial tag, CM Pratapsing Raoji Rane at a Cabinet meeting this morning announced allotment of two portfolios to Mr Rodrigues the Water Resources and Legal Meterology (earlier known as Weights and Measures).
However the decision on Deputy CM's post which Mr Rodrigues held post vote of confidence on 2nd February 2005 (which saw Mr Rane back in the saddle with the Party taking office after a long break 24.11.2000 ) was left with the High Command. In fact Mr Rane has a penchant to place all unpleasant decisions on the lap of the "High Command" which actually means Ms Margaret Alva described as the "eyes and ears" looking after the Goa Desk. Alternatively placing decisions at the hands of the High command is to absolve himself of any backstabbing from his party men. Incidentally Ms Alva has told this writer in the past that Mr Rane was competent to take decisions on behalf of the State and there was no reason why the High Command should intervene. But when advised to issue a directive on this score viz; ensuring that Mr Rane does not at random when faced with unpleasant decisions quote the name of the High Command in vain, she was reluctant to do so. Clearly the opposition to this portfolio being granted to Mr odrigues as what many allege comes from besides the NCP, a senior politician from South Goa an ex CM who feels that this status may belittle his clout in South Goa especially Salcete having eight Assembly seats. While granting Dy CM status then to Mr Rodrigues was a quid pro qua when the BJP led coalition was unseated on 27.1.2005 Mr Rane may not be inclined to grant this status to Mr Neri in the present circumstances when the INC is well placed. Meanwhile Mr Neri has taken over office this morning in right earnest. Obviously the NCP Deputy CM Wilfred De Souza may still have to spend some more sleepless nights because by conferring the status of Deputy CM to Mr Rodrigues, Mr Rane could well try to nip the growth of the NCP and their demand for seat sharing in the event a midterm poll is announced. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send instant messages to your online friends http://in.messenger.yahoo.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | | | | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --------------------------------------------------------------------------