Team Herald
PANJIM: Even as the Chief Minister’s office clarified that the CM’s health is stable, TCP Minister and Goa Forward president Vijai Sardesai on Saturday said that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s health has deteriorated.
Following uncertainty over the CM’s health, the Group of Six (G-6) has been reactivated and together visited the CM’s private residence in Dona Paula.
Speaking to the media after the visit, Sardesai on behalf of G-6, said, “We six MLAs have given unequivocal support to the Chief Minister to form the government. When cancer was detected and CM showed willingness to step down, even then we six MLAs came together for a permanent solution and stability to this government.”
Asked about CM’s health, he replied, “CM’s health has deteriorated, though we are told he is stable, but in medical sciences I am not aware of his health status.
On the purpose of the visit, Sardesai, flanked by the other five MLAs, said they wanted to go and show their solidarity as they have in the past. “That’s all, we are together and will be together with him,” he said.
Asked whether CM is on life support, the Goa Forward president said, “No, as I told you, don’t ask medical terms to politicians. Also we have to respect his privacy and CMO has issued a communiqué so accept it,” he said. He continued, “Many a times he has challenged your wisdom and proved media wrong.”
On BJP Organising Secretary Satish Dhond meeting the Governor, he said, “I did not meet. You can ask Satish Dhond about it.”
When asked whether it is time for a new leader to take over, he replied, “Where is the question of new formation? In case BJP thinks they have to do a new formation they know whom to contact and when.”
Quizzed on whether the G-6 will continue to be with BJP in the future, he shot back, “We were with MP unequivocally, no ifs and buts. We will not speak on hypothetical questions. But we will be together. We cannot comment whether we will be with BJP post Parrikar.”
