Team Herald
PANJIM: A further indication, that the BJP is willing openly feed on the issue of Manohar Parrikar’s return to the state, as Chief Minister if BJP forms the next government, was given by the Defence Minister himself, during a chat over dinner with journalists on Sunday evening.
The Defence Minister went into a long drawn experience sharing of why he is uncomfortable in Delhi and has no social circle, before being pinned on the specific issue of him returning as CM, if the BJP comes to power “The issue is completely open. And as I said, if the MLA’s suggest this and The party agrees, I don’t have a problem in coming back (as CM)”
It is still unclear if this is a part of BJP’s poll strategising, to play the P (Parrikar) card, but it seems obvious that none of the senior leadership of are party are uncomfortable with the stories of Parrikar’s imminent return floating around,
Even Chief Minister Parsekar (see box) is believed to be of the view that a section of the party feels that it would be conducive to project the Defence Minister as the next CM.
Union minister Venkaiah Naidu who was in Goa on Sunday, echoed his colleague Nitin Gadkari , in saying that “the MLAs will decide”. “Let elections be over, then MLAs meet. The parliamentary board will take a final call,” Mr Naidu said
Minister for Road, Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has said last week, “Goa’s next CM would be either from elected representatives or someone from the centre.”
Reacting to Gadkari’s statement, the Union Urban Development Minister, Venkaiah Naidu commented, “There is nothing wrong (in sending people from the centre). You are not importing people from other countries. If it is MLAs’ desire (to have leader from the centre) there is nothing wrong. Any wise politician will not speculate on ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’.
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State govt will to prevail on Dhirio: Minister Naidu
Responding to a question whether BJP will put Goa’s own ‘dhirio’ bullfight on lines with Jallikattu, Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu said BJP has its own concern towards the cultural sentiments of the people as it goes ahead by a state government’s wish.
“We did not ban Jallikattu. It was the Congress (while in power at the Centre),” he said responding to another media question. “We have our own concern towards the cultural sentiments of the people of the State and we go by a state government’s wish. If such a situation comes any time in any state, government will act based on the wish of the people and situation of the law,” he said referring to Goa’s banned sport.
