Team Herald
PANJIM: Against the run of play, the All India Congress Committee president Rahul Gandhi grabbed the spotlight on the first day of Goa Legislative Assembly session making a surprise visit to the complex to inquire about Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s health.
Clad in traditional white kurta pajama, Gandhi’s motorcade arrived at the Assembly complex at 11.45am, where he was received by Dy Speaker Michael Lobo and was escorted straight to the chamber of the Chief Minister.
GPCC president Girish Chodankar and Leader of the Opposition Chandrakant Kavlekar were present but later left Gandhi alone with Parrikar. The meeting lasted for about seven minutes, sources said.
“Gandhi inquired about health of the CM and then asked him how come despite ill-health, Parrikar manages to attend the Assembly session,” source said.
To this, Parrikar responded, “Once I decide to do the things, I do it.” The meeting was very cordial with both the leaders sharing smile before Gandhi went out of the cabin.
Thereafter, Gandhi met the Congress MLAs in the Opposition Lobby.
Later speaking to the media, Leader of the Opposition Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar said the Congress president was on a private visit and he had told them that he wanted to meet the CM. “He met CM and then I requested him to meet the MLAs in the Opposition lobby,” he said.
Asked what occurred at the meeting with the CM, he said, “Nothing, he just helloed and inquired about his health and wished him a speedy recovery.”
Asked whether there was any discussion on the controversial Rafale tape, Kavlekar replied in the negative.
About Gandhi’s meeting with MLAs, Kavlekar said, he told the MLAs it is a private visit and next month he will be back and discuss political issues.
