Dissolution? No way, say Ministers

PANJIM: Ministers in Manohar Parrikar led Cabinet have ruled out dissolution of the Goa Legislative Assembly stating nobody can afford it at this moment.

Town and Country Planning Minister and alliance partner Vijai Sardesai said that issue of dissolution is creation of media. “Dissolution somehow is created by media. I don’t understand how this would happen? How many people can afford dissolution?” he questioned.

Asked whether there was any discussion on the issue, he replied, “There was no question of discussion only on media reports. CM has already clarified to me so there was no question of raising it again.”

He further said “Why the issue of dissolution will be discussed, when everything is running smoothly? Nobody even brought up the subject.”

Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho too felt the State government is running smoothly and there was no question of such decision. “Why would there be discussion when everything is fine?” questioned Godinho.

When asked about his comments on backing Joshua, son of late Francis D’Souza, Sardesai clarified, that he never said the former Dy CM’s son would contest on Goa Forward ticket. “I only said that Francis D’Souza had a good contact with the people of Mapusa and his son should take his legacy forward,” Sardesai said adding his comments were wrongly interpreted. 

Asked whether he is interested in fielding Joshua from Mapusa, Sardessi said, “I think it is but natural that BJP gives him ticket. History says that whenever a sitting legislator dies next of kin or dependent is normally given the ticket and comes out victorious. I will back him or willing to support for taking the legacy of his father forward.”

On simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly bypolls, Sardesai said, that the State wants all elections in one phase.

“The State govt would not want two, three elections separately as separate code of conduct paralyses the administration,” he said.