Parsekar will have full freedom as CM: Parrikar

TEAM HERALD

PANJIM: Former Chief Minister and Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday made it clear that he will “not impose” anything on Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar.

Parrikar, who is chairman of BJP’s Goa core committee, said that though the core committee will discuss the policy issues to be implemented by the government, the final decision would be left to the Chief Minister. 

“Nobody can force Chief Minister in his decision making. The party will ensure that he has full freedom. Even I will not interfere in his manner of functioning. I can only be a guide, if required,” he told media persons on the sidelines of the first cabinet expansion.  

“Parsekar has to run the show. The party will ensure that he can run the show. Even I will not tower over him,” Parrikar added. 

The Bharatiya Janata Party has reconstituted its core committee under the chairmanship of Parrikar, with Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza, one Minister and a General Secretary as its members.   

Parrikar said that the party core committee will bridge the gap between government and the party organization in the State. He stated that the task of the committee is only to “discuss about political situation and ensure that the state government takes up the line towed by the party.” 

“Government is expected to execute the party’s agenda through legal or appropriate means. The party is always an important part of the government. You cannot wish away the party. Prime minister or chief minister has to be in tune with the party line,” he added.

Parrikar said that the core committee is not going to look into the day-to-day functioning of the government. “They will discuss crucial issues or issues that crop up like Regional Plan or Tenancy Act. Anything which might affect the party can be taken up by the committee,” he added.

Parrikar said that it is the prerogative of Chief Minister to review the performance of the ministers or not. 

When asked about he being the face of BJP all these years, Parrikar quipped “party will always have a new face… The gap will be filled…the party is actually the face”. 

Parrikar said that the crucial issues of the State will now have to be handled by the chief minister. He said that he would be busy in Delhi.