PANJIM: In a virtual show of strength to dispel speculation of cracks in the coalition government, cabinet ministers held a “review meeting” on the CM’s budgetary announcements. Eight of the 12 ministers were present for the meeting.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, undergoing treatment at AIIMS, Delhi, Tourism Minister Manohar (Babu) Azgaonkar, Fisheries Minister Vinod Palyekar and Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude were absent.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, PWD Minister Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar said, “There was no trust of media on the government and therefore we decided we would meet every Wednesday 11.30 am and we did that.”
He added that the ministers will move forward under the guidance of CM. “We are discussing the implementation of whatever was announced in the budget speech. We reviewed the announcements in each department,” he said.
Dhavalikar said the need arose as after February 2019 there would be code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls. “Once code of conduct comes into force there would be no works undertaken,” he said.
TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai said the moto of the government is to provide good governance along with stability. “The chief minister is ailing and admitted in hospital and we also accept there is an impact but we are trying our best to see that the impact is less. We are like shock absorbers,” he said.
Sardesai said as half the financial year has passed they would review the budget announcements. “CMs advice is always available. We will have review meetings every Wednesday and set up short and long term priorities,” he said. Sardesai also said this is basically a show of show strength or a show of unity.
Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho said the ministers wanted to convey the stability of government. “We are a functional and stable government. We have assessed works in each department. Whatever works have been undertaken by the government will be implemented,” he said, adding that the CM is guiding the cabinet and it is not deprived of anything in his absence.
