PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is officially going to Delhi today (Wednesday) to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi “to continue discussions on various projects and issues” of Goa, but on his mind, will be a potentially game changing “issue”, the strengthening buzz around his move to Delhi to join the Modi Cabinet.
Unlike in the past when he has dismissed such rumours, he gave ample indication during his candid chat with Herald late on Tuesday night, that there was “something in the air”. While the appointment with the Prime Minister was sought by him, he himself was a bit surprised when the PM told him “come tomorrow”.
Mr Parrikar told Herald, “There might be some possibility, but I’m not aware. I will know by tomorrow night after I meet the Prime Minister. There has to be something because senior people have talked to the press. Mr Gadkari (Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari) had mentioned to someone. Like that there are talks, but I’m not aware of any decision being made.”
He, however, reiterated that his possible induction into the Modi Cabinet was not on the agenda of his meeting with the PM, but given the fact that senior people (read ministers and the top brass in the BJP) have spoken about it “there has to be something”, but he needs to hear it “from the horse’s mouth”.
According to senior sources in Delhi, team Modi sees Mr Parrikar as a valuable player, but is doing a stringent cost benefit analysis on the “loss to Goa”, if Mr Parrikar is moved to Delhi. The other line of thinking is that Goa can be run by a man trusted by him. But here again the big ask is who?
However, it is clearly evident that while speculation about his move to Delhi has been on ever since Mr Modi became Prime Minister, it is only now that this is being discussed at the top most levels of the party and government with earnestness. Wednesday’s meeting with the Prime Minister may therefore center around things other than bridges, roads and finances for Goa.
Parrikar to Herald
u There are some discussions going on
u There might be some possibility, but I’m not aware, will know by tomorrow night after I meet the Prime Minister
u There has to be something because senior people have talked to the press, Mr Gadkari had mentioned to someone; Like that there are talks, but I’m not aware of any decision being made
u When I was in Delhi last time, they told me a lot of things. I don’t believe in speculation, it has to come from the horse’s mouth
