Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s chat with all his ministers from New York, 45 days into his treatment, was aimed at giving confidence to his team, and keeping them informed about his likely arrival in Goa, which was shrouded in uncertainly.
Speaking to various ministers who received his call, the likely arrival of the Chief Minister back in Goa ranges between 30 to 45 days but there again this is a period which Mr Parrikar expects to be there. This perhaps isn’t the time frame indicated with any degree of certainly by the doctors treating him.
While there is relief that the Chief Minister’s health is good enough for him to review decisions taken and have a word with all ministers, the length of his absence is prolonging decision making on issues which can’t just wait. Applicants for jobs are waiting for results of their final examinations, the way forward in mining needs his constant intervention for parleys with the centre, the status of investments needs to be reviewed along the functionality of the IPB, the IT policy which has been delayed was expected to be out by March 31 but has not been, the start-up climate has to be dovetailed with the start up policy. On the Regional Plan of – now- 2030 has to be commenced through a proper participative exercise and following the concept of one state one plan.
From the party point of view, each passing day without its CM is detrimental. Believe it or not, the BJP has one original minister, in Francis D’Souza. The others are recent entrants.
Beyond administration, the party finds itself uncomfortable without Parrikar as important political developments are taking shape. Its relationship with the MGP is under stress. In the Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) elections, the BJP and the MGP are fighting against each other as most bitter rivals and the will to win many even see the Congress and the BJP coming together to try and defeat the MGP in Ponda.
This political dilemma is undoubtedly affecting the party’s functioning which does have a spill-over effect on the running of the government. The organisation may well want to do some succession planning so that the party as a whole prepares a second rung of leaders so that the assembly line of leadership does not snap.
The biggest challenge for the party is to keep the flock together and ensure that it leads the state and doesn’t even potentially run the risk of getting the rug pulled from under its feet And the only fool proof insurance against this is Mr Parrikar’s physical presence.
The danger of this coalition government crumbling under the weight of its own contradictions, is high in Mr Parrikar’s absence. His return virtually nullifies such threats.
The phone call today was like oxygen for the entire cabinet and a relief to the BJP. But it was also a reminder that in the absence of a charismatic leadership, the chinks in this coalition, already visible, will develop into a gaping wound.
