Someone who reigned with an iron hand and was intolerant of dissent, a man who instilled fear upon anyone who dared to oppose him, is at last being shunted to Delhi. When he took over the reins, his governance started with a bang, but sadly, ended with a whimper.
Today chaos and disorder prevails in the State. The Government has no clues as to its next move and is rudderless.
It’s all because Parrikar ruled like a monarch and refused to listen to the voice of the people. A sharp-witted man, too clever by half, he was an astute manipulator who would win friends with clever tactics and strike deals with the enemy in the silence of the night. As Defence Minister he will now have to confront multi-pronged attacks especially face-to-face with Machiavellian powers like Pakistan and China.
His Goan admirers, I know, are mourning the loss of a superman, a giant, a colossus. But, it is my feeling, not many will shed tears, as Parrikar grudgingly departs for greener pastures.
But the big question is after him who? At least Parrikar had a grip on his friends and foes and a cozy relationship with the Church. It is well-nigh possible that after he leaves Goa, the worst is yet to come unless Goans unite. Que será, será?
Dr. Francisco Colaco, Margao
