Team Herald
PANJIM: Almost 45 days after being shifted to US for advanced treatment, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar telephonically spoke to all his cabinet colleagues on Tuesday.
Parrikar was shifted to New York on March 6 last month for treatment from Mumbai’s Lilavati hospital.
In his brief talks with all ministers, Parrikar enquired about the functioning of their ministries and the situation in Goa.
“He called me today, I don’t know about the others but I feel he is improving now as he sounded better than the last time when I had spoken,” Urban Development Minister and BJP Legislative Wing leader Francis D’Sousa said.
Asked whether he spoke anything about his return, D’Souza said probably next month. “He said it would take another month for the treatment,” he said.
Parrikar was also apprised about decision of the Cabinet Advisory Committee (CAC) to move the High Court over transportation of ore lying outside the lease area. Minister Vijai Sardesai, who also had a telephonic conversation with Parrikar, said the CM applauded the decision.
“I discussed with him the CAC’s decision on the ore transportation and he liked the idea. He is also of the opinion that we should do everything possible for the mining dependents,” Sardesai told Herald.
The CM was also told that mining dependents, who are on the verge of losing jobs, should look at agriculture as another option for earning. “He appreciated this idea too,” Sardesai added.
Parrikar who will undergo the third phase of treatment expressed confidence during his talk with Sardesai of returning to Goa in the next three weeks. He also had a conversation with Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on issues concerning his portfolio.
Power Minister Pandurang Madkaikar also confirmed that the chief minister spoke to him. “I am happy he sounded great, and I hope he recovers fast and returns to work at the earliest,” he said.
Housing Minister Jayesh Salgaocar said that Parrikar enquired about his portfolios and development works. “He sounded good and said he would return by mid-May” he said.
Meanwhile, BJP said that Parrikar’s health condition is improving and he would travel back to the State only when is allowed.
The BJP also rubbished statements made by Congress leaders that no medical update about Parrikar’s health is being issued by the State.
Addressing the media, Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral said, “The Chief minister is responding well to the treatment and is on the path of recovery. He will be travelling back to the State when advised by the doctors who are attending him in the USA.”
He added, “CMO has been issuing statements time and again about his health. I have spoken to him seven times during the last one and half months and every time I have called, he has picked up the phone. I can assure you that he is getting well.”
