PANJIM: Even as Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant states that the alliance partners MGP, Goa Forward Party (GFP) and Independents are intact and with him, the simmering differences within the members of different group already appears to be a daunting challenge before him. Sawant cannot ignore the fact that the two-day political drama kept the State abuzz was only because the allies were not in favour of his candidature as the next CM.
Similar to Manohar Parrikar-led government, Pramod Sawant-led coalition too will have to walk a tight rope to ensure that the coalition partners are not on a collusion course and it completes the remaining three-years of the government with stability.
The existing factions like GFP and MGP are politically juxtaposed against each other while Dhavalikar brothers – Sudin and Deepak – are arch-rivals of Independent MLA and Minister Govind Gawade. While Parrikar had the acumen to control the sentiments of these ideologically-different factions, it would be a tough task for Sawant who is a two-time MLA and has never handled such responsibility.
“Definitely the alliance partners are with me and I will try to work like Parrikarbhai to keep the allies intact,” Sawant said before assuming charge of CM.
Sawant also expressed confidence that the coalition government under him will complete the balance three years of the current Legislative Assembly tenure.
Though, Sawant has retained the same old cabinet, he cannot ignore the fact that seven out of those eleven, had been against his candidature as CM. These were Vijai Sardesai (GFP), Sudin Dhavalikar (MGP), Rohan Khaunte (IND), Vishwajit Rane (BJP), Jayesh Salgaonkar, Vinod Palyekar (GFP) and Govind Gaude (IND).
“G6, Dhavalikar and Visjwajit were not in consensus for Sawant being the MLA selected the CM post. Though, Sawant was also the choice of Parrikar as his successor, the allies were not in agreement to this, until the deputy CM position deal was struck,” sources revealed.
Also, with Vishwajit, who is been there into the State politics since 2002 and known for ditching his loyalty, it is going to be challenging for Sawant to deal with him. More so, Vishwajit was also the contender in the race of CM and backed by the allies.
Though the RSS backing has given Sawant a smooth sailing, it is not going to be that smooth for the young Chief Minister; especially when Parrikar is not around as guiding force.
