SHWETA KAMAT

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Once this five-year term completes, I am not interested in contesting again. I am very much clear about it. This is my personal decision and I will not change it under any pressure. Last ten years of my life I want to live it for me. I don’t want to be CM again...I don’t want to be part of active politics after this term.” These were the words of Manohar Parrikar after completing 100 days of his government in 2012.

Again in November 2015, Parrikar made yet another statement hinting at his possible retirement from active politics. “After 60 (years), one has to think about retirement. I turn 60 on December 13, therefore, I had started thinking about retirement two-three years back. I have to intensify that, therefore, I don’t feel inclined to take up big responsibilities”. He however, had later claimed that he was misquoted.

But the ‘retirement’ did not happen. He, who went to Delhi as India’s Ḍefence Minister returned as the party formed a mandate defying government keeping him as the pivot for drawing coalition allies.

Now with the by-elections coming up in Panjim   the constituency ruled by Parrikar for last 22 years   there are also rumours making round on whether this is finally going to be the last election, after he was saying that 2015 would be his last election.

But given the past, this too appears to be news which is simply in the air, which no one really believes.

Firstly, there doesn’t appear to be a second rung to carry the weight of the party or manage coalition compulsions. That is indeed BJP’s reality

“There is nothing called as vacuum. The nature itself never accepts what is called vacuum,” Member of Parliament Narendra Sawaikar said while refusing to comment on Parrikar’s plan for retirement.

While Parrikar has not made any fresh statement about his retirement from the active politics, the BJP workers are reluctant even to think about the same.

“If Parrikar retires, who will take the responsibility of BJP in Goa? Finally, there is a question mark over the possibility of finding people with leadership qualities in a small state,” a senior BJP leader on request of anonymity said.

Former deputy Chief Minister and incumbent Minister Francis D’Souza feels that Parrikar can continue in active politics for another ten years at least. “As long as he wants to carry on let him work. As long as people get him elected, he should continue,” he said adding that there are several politicians in Goa, who are still into politics even after crossing 70 years.

So the question as who will be Parrikar’s successor remains unanswered.

On the other hand, Congress is looking at Parrikar’s retirement as it could pave them an opportunity to come to power in Goa once again. “Though Congress got 17 seats this time, it could not form the government. And the reason was Parrikar. It is quite evident that till Parrikar is part of active politics, it is difficult for Congress to rule, but if he goes or is defeated, there is no BJP”, a senior Congress leader said.

When contacted, Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavalekar feels that the upcoming by-election would be Parrikar’s last stint, as post defeat he would opt for retirement. “Parrikar will face defeat in this election, with people sending clear signal that they don’t want him anymore. It is here, that Parrikar should retire,” he said.

The man in question though hasn’t spoken this time about his future in electoral politics. After twists and turns of the past, he feels it’s best to maintain radio silence on the issue.