PANJIM: On a day of hectic political developments and lobbying, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar finally decided not to hand over charge to any minister in his absence.
As per sources, the CM was to hand over charge to PWD Minister Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar. However, sources revealed, some MLAs objected to this. As per information the CM will handle the administration from USA. Parrikar also said he is fine. “I will come back soon from USA. Work will continue as usual.”
Earlier in the day the State BJP core committee had planned to visit Delhi to discuss alternatives but will now return to Goa as plans to visit Delhi stand cancelled, sources said.
Sources revealed the decision to hand over charge to Dhavalikar before leaving for USA was already taken and order was to be issued in the evening. It was also decided that TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai would hold charge in the absence of Dhavalikar.
Earlier in the day, Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik had said that in view of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s deteriorating health condition and subsequent absence from the State, the State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would meet the central leadership to chalk out the future course of action.
When pointed out that the government has been facing criticism due to the CM’s long absences, he had said, “This time it is a minor issue for which he has been referred to US for consultation. The arrangement whatsoever will be temporary.” This was before the late evening development.
Asked whether the BJP is discussing any permanent solution, he said, “No, we will see when the time comes”.
Asked whether he plans to return to State politics, Naik replied, “We are disciplined soldiers of the party. Whatever party says I am ready to do.”
To a query whether Parrikar has opted to step down, he replied in the negative. “No, but that is his decision, his prerogative but his health is also a priority,” Naik said.
On whether the alliance partners have been taken into confidence, he said, “After the party takes a decision we will take the alliance partners also into confidence.”
BJP core team members, including State unit president and Rajya Sabha member Vinay Tendulkar, South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar, Sadanand Shet Tanawde, Datta Kholkar and Sanjiv Desai left Goa to visit the CM in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Union AYUSH minister Shripad Naik said the BJP Goa unit will meet Parrikar in Mumbai to take inputs from him about the course of action in his absence. BJP leader Siddharth Kuncolienkar added that Parrikar’s health is stable. “Parrikar has developed some indigestion problem,” he said.
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BJP hunt for alternative CM?
NEW DELHI: Reports trickling in earlier on Wednesday had said that Bhartiya Janata Party was looking for an alternative to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
A top party source had said that BJP President Amit Shah had summoned Goa BJP President Vinay Tendulkar and four others to Delhi on Thursday to take the decision to prevent functioning of the government coming to a standstill in the absence of Parrikar.
He had said on the cards were two possibilities – an alternative arrangement of a group of two, three leaders looking after the chief minister’s responsibilities as done during Parrikar’s last long visit to the US or appointment of a temporary CM until he recoups from the illness.
