PANJIM: As speculation intensifies, created mainly by Manohar Parrikar himself, about his return, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar appears dejected over reports of a possible return of Defence Minister Parrikar to Goa to take over from him.
When asked to react to the media reports which quoted Parrikar saying he is coming back to Goa to lead the party in the forthcoming Assembly elections, Parsekar merely said, “I have said before and now again I would say, if Parrikar wants to come back he is most welcome.” His facial expression while saying this suggested something else.
Asked whether the party needs Parrikar in Goa for the elections, he shot back, “You ask this to Parrikar. He has made the statement, how can I reply?”
The situation that has triggered the buzz around the return of the Defence Minister to state politics, is the attack on the party by the RSS, against BJP’s decision to give grants for MoI in English to minority institutions
Parrikar on Sunday had said that the issue could be sorted only through talks.
But Parsekar, a little irritated said his govt was handling the issue. When asked whether his govt is in talks with RSS-backed BBSM, demanding withdrawal of grants to English schools, Parsekar said, “Do you think we are not having talks with BBSM? Whatever is needed is being done to defuse the tension.”
Parrikar almost
desperate to come back
On Sunday, Parrikar attended several functions and at one of them stated he is coming back. “Yes, I am coming back,” he said in Bicholim, without elaborating.
Though he did not specify when, Parrikar expects a central cabinet reshuffle any time in the next four months.
At a function in Delhi, Parrikar, when questioned, also said he preferred to be the chief minister of Goa than the Defence Minister of the country. “As the chief minister of Goa, I am the king, whereas being the Defence Minister of country it’s like being a prince of a particular department,” he said.
