from daijiworld's special correspondent

Panaji, Sep 27: Ahead of state legislative assembly elections next year, the Goa Congress circle is abuzz with activities. Two of its senior leaders – town and country planning minister Atanasio Monserratte and Congress’ Goa chief Ravi Naik – are in Delhi seeking an appointment with high command.

While rumours are strong that Delhi visit by Congress duo is an attempt to bargain for tickets during the state legislative assembly elections, it is also expected that their visit may bring in certain changes in state party organization.

Monserratte, a town and country planning minister in Pratapsingh Rane cabinet, who was instrumental in pulling down earlier BJP government, is on the forefront to lobby within the party organization.

This heavy-weight Congress minister has sought to be the Congress chief for last two-three times. But all the times, he has failed in his endeavour. This time around, he is expected to make a fresh attempt.

On the other hand, Ravi Naik’s Delhi departure has created another kind of speculations in the congress camp.

Naik has battling for his own seat in Ponda constituency as congress’ alliance partner Maharashtrawadi Gomantak party is planning a strong candidate against him. Naik’s delhi trip is expected to convince congress high command to pressurize them to convince the alliance partners not to field candidate against him.