SURAJ NANDREKAR
suraj@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Just over a fortnight ago it had appeared almost impossible for the Bharatiya Janata Party to form the next government in the State, but today, the BJP along with its coalition partners appears firmly in the saddle aiming to complete a full five-year term.
In the last 15 days, Manohar Parrikar was named chief minister, cleared the floor test and passed the state budget. Speculation of any revolt within the party does not seem to rattle the leaders as the party feels it was the unsigned agreement of ‘sacrifice’ made by the MLAs, which empowered Parrikar to take a shot at power.
On March 11, just after the results were declared, the BJP cadres appeared dejected due to the party’s poor showing, winning just 13 seats. While the cadres looked disappointed, Parrikar – then the Defence Minister – wasn’t.
Sources in the BJP stated that immediately after the results, Parrikar met the elected MLAs and the party top brass and had just one question “What should we do?”
“If you want I will make an effort to form the government but for that we need to make ‘sacrifices’. Or else let us sit in the Opposition,” the source quoted Parrikar as saying at that meeting.
Knowing it wouldn’t be an easy task without Parrikar, the elected MLAs sought of gave a blank cheque to BJP’s poster boy to make a game out of a messy situation.
Though the MLAs had agreed to make a bid for power, it wasn’t an easy task for Parrikar and the BJP top brass as they had to convince MGP, Goa Forward, and at least two Independents – Rohan Khaunte and Govind Gaude – who were toying with an idea of supporting Congress to change sides.
When it was done, Parrikar gave three ministerial berths to GF, two to MGP, two to independents and two to BJP’s Francis D’Souza and Pandurang Madkaikar – keeping two places vacant for BJP MLAs.
While things have moved as planned for Parrikar there is speculation of some bitterness in the party over the possible induction of former Congressman Vishwajit Rane into the cabinet.
Sources reveal, that especially the Catholic MLAs, who are in a majority in BJP legislature party, were upset with the development as it decreases one ministerial post slotted for the party.
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, who played a crucial role in convincing Vijai Sardesai to support BJP, looked truly upset at being ignored and later appointed the Deputy Speaker.
Minister for Urban Development, Francis D’Souza, when contacted for his comments on reports of resentment within party had just one thing to say “No”.
“Before forming the government, Parrikar had clearly asked everyone what should we do? So once you have agreed to sacrifice there is no question of any revolt,” he said.
Lobo also feels that though he felt he would get a ministry he isn’t the one who will go cribbing about it. “For me I am happy the party has formed the government and that I played a role in helping party form the government. I believe in my leader Manohar Parrikar and know very well he realises the potential of each one of us,” he stated.
Apart from Lobo, Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho, Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha, Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral, Mormugao MLA Milind Naik, Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida are all hopeful of getting the remaining two slots in the cabinet.
