But, the question that did the rounds on Thursday was whether Salcete’s lone Minister in the Parrikar cabinet, Avertano Furtado, would retain his position in the new dispensation or whether GVP supremo Francisco Mickky Pacheco would finally make his way into the new government.
When Herald contacted the GVP supremo to shed light on the emerging political equations in the state, Pacheco wished Parrikar the very best in his new assignment, saying that Goa would get something from the Centre with Parrikar holding an important position at the Centre.
He, however, made it clear that the GVP’s political equation with the new government is unlikely to change in the future.
Interestingly, Pacheco said he would certainly expect the government to consider his claim for a berth in the Cabinet. Asked whether he looks forward to a Cabinet berth in the new government, Mickky reminded that the GVP had been supporting the BJP government from day one.
“The BJP leadership is equally aware of the hard work put in by me and my party for the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls. They know that I had stood by them from day one”, he said, giving clear indications that he expects the BJP leadership to consider his claim for a berth.
When Herald called Avertano Furtado, he said there would be no change in his stand in supporting the BJP government. Parrikar had rewarded the first time Navelim MLA with a ministerial berth for emerging as a giant killer with BJP support and to send a right message to Salcete that his government will pursue inclusive politics.
What’s significant to note is that Furtado, along with Velim counterpart Benjamin D’Silva and Benaulim MLA Caetano Silva, enjoyed a close rapport with Parrikar during the last two and half years.
In fact, Navelim, Benaulim and Velim represented by the three MLAs, had received the Chief Minister’s close attention, who made it a point to never miss their birthday celebrations or football finals in their constituencies since taking over the reins of office in March 2012.
