Wagh skips IFFI inaugural
NISHITHA NAIR SHRIVASTAVA
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: The 44th International Film Festival of India inaugural ceremony, took off Wednesday with unexpected drama with BJP MLA and newly appointed Chairman of the Entertainment Society of Goa governing body Vishnu Surya Wagh, conspicuous by his absence.
Wagh’s decision to skip the mega event was evidently taken at the last minute, since his name was announced to join the official lighting of the lamp at the inaugural.
Interestingly, considered the face of IFFI, the very vocal St Andre MLA had been in the limelight until the day of the inauguration and in office till very late night Tuesday. In fact he had even given appointments for the next day. Those who had been called to meet him did come to the venue but had to go back without meeting him.
Wagh’s staff and even the general manager expressed their ignorance about his whereabouts when quizzed and expressed their helplessness in taking decisions in his absence. His personal assistant too seemed to be in the dark about his whereabouts.
Sources close to the MLA said that he was a little upset over the appointment, given that he always had a godfather over him. He was made chairman of the ESG governing body, while the ESG general body was still headed by the chief minister. The general body wielded the ultimate power.
This move comes a day after he was appointed the chairman of the Entertainment Society of Goa governing body.
Commenting on the absence, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai ~ who incidentally attended the inauguration ~ said, “I was shocked with the Lamani décor and Mughal arch at the IFFI inaugural. Maybe Vishnu (Wagh) does not want to associate with such a disaster, especially as he was bestowed the chairmanship of ESG at the last minute. This boycott speaks volumes on the unity in the BJP legislature party, especially in the background of some MLAs having become stateless because of Portuguese citizenship issue. Maybe some feel it’s a sinking ship.”
The MLA’s vacant chair apart, the 3500-capacity temporary hangar in the precincts of Kala Academy was almost full.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in his speech said that next year’s inauguration would have a permanent film theatre in Miramar, referring to the proposed convention centre.
“It is high time we convert this into a real international event,” he said, terming the structure as a gift to the festival.
While several politicos from the ruling and Opposition party were missing at the gala opening, the BJP brigade was represented by Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar, Health Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, Environment Minister Alina Saldanha and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo. Opposition leader Pratapsingh Rane was also present at the ceremony.
