Of late, there is quite obviously, a bit of a political rumbling and semblance of political uncertainty given the nature of comments from different political leaders about their own parties. When public comments against their own dispensation, either direct of insinuated is on the rise, it’s an indication that the climate of uncertainty is setting in.
There is a clear reason for this uncertainty. It is clearly obvious that the periodical health bulletins issued by the Chief Minister’s office stating Mr Parrikar is “responding well” to treatment, will lose its efficacy unless there is an attempt to actually convey information rather than give out health statements for the sake of them, with every attempt not to reveal anything beyond comforting Goans that their CM is fine.
Firstly, let us accept that at this stage, there is a trifle sense of unease at the uncertainty of the timing of Parrikar’s return. And as a result statements are flying thick and fast. Firstly, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo reportedly said that without Parrikar it makes little sense to be in the BJP. At the same time, to counter and scuttle any attempts made by Sudin Dhavalikar to make a back door entry into the BJP, Lobo had said that the leadership of the government would remain with the BJP and that the Chief Minister would return once his treatment in the US was over.
Meanwhile the MGP is a divided house with sections of the party led by Lavoo Mamlatdar, even questioning the legality of the letter of support Dhavalikar gave the Parrikar government in March 2014.
For the BJP, it’s important to play this period out. In a sense the uncertainly over Mr Parrikar’s return has also, ironically, helped the party. Notwithstanding anything else no political party would prefer to topple or upset the government, when Mr Parrikar’s treatment in ongoing in New York. The bad optics of being power hungry when the Chief Minister is ailing, is not a burden any party would like to bear.
The single largest party Congress has its fair share of problems. At least three of its MLAs are in touch with other parties. Secondly its biggest magnet, Vijai Sardesai was its biggest adversary in the Assembly elections but they are forced to look at him, if they want to even dream of coming to power.
Meanwhile Sardesai himself is very public about his support to the present government and it will take extraordinary reasons for the TCP minister to embark on an unknown political adventure. It is important for Sardesai that there should political continuity, to execute all his dream projects.
Finally the sword of Shah and Modi, which hangs on most leaders, is a reason why an open confrontation is ruled out. Central agencies are known to be extra vigilant and sharp toward those who have freshly gone against the party that runs the government.
Notwithstanding all this, the BJP must identify and appoint a sand in skipper when the Captain is temporarily off the field. Democratic politics is unfortunately personality based and a chosen leader to stand in, till the Chief minister returns will keep even stray comments and other rumblings totally at bay.
