PANJIM: The power tussle between alliance partners Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) is likely to intensify in the coming days over the possible dropping of a MGP minister to be replaced by a BJP MLA. The cabinet reshuffle could also see the crucial Public Works Department (PWD), currently with the MGP, being given to the new BJP minister in the Laxmikant Parsekar cabinet.
At the same time, the tussle over the lucrative PWD department – more obvious now after the exposure of Louis Berger scam – could even see the department bifurcated, like a property division and shared between the alliance partners.
With the monsoon session of the Legislative Assembly out of the way, the BJP is now gearing up to fill the vacant berth in the 12-member Parsekar cabinet. The names of Speaker Rajendra Arlekar and Deputy Speaker Anant Shet are being spoken of as possible entrants in the ministry. Sources said there is also the possibility of two BJP MLAs being inducted in the cabinet, after dropping a non-performing minister. During an unofficial interaction with the media, Parsekar had indirectly hinted at dropping a minister.
Sources close to the BJP confirmed that two senior BJP MLAs would be inducted in the cabinet. There has been speculation that Environment Minister Alina Saldanha may be dropped, as relations between her and the other cabinet members have been rather strained in recent times. Sources said that Saldanha would then be appointed as chairperson of the yet to be constituted Minority Commission, with a cabinet rank.
Sources also said that one MGP minister might face the axe. MGP has two ministers in the cabinet – Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar and Pandurang (Dipak) Dhavalikar. While Ramkrishna was a minister in the former Congress cabinet, Dipak entered the cabinet for the first time after the 2012 elections.
Refusing to speak on the issue, BJP president Vinay Tendulkar said, “Chief Minister will take the appropriate step, we have no idea.”
In another interesting development, it is been learnt that Arlekar, who might take the place of former minister Francisco (Mickky) Pacheco, has demanded the PWD portfolio along with which he would be given the Environment and Forests portfolio.
“Rather than assuming anything at this stage, better wait for a few more days,” sources said.
If sources are to be believed, after Arlekar’s induction, St Andre MLA Vishnu Wagh may be elevated to the Speaker’s post.
Party leaders are still to arrive at a final decision in this matter, but it is sure that in the days to come a new face would be inducted in the cabinet, which would also begin the countdown for the 2017 polls.
