South Goa, Ponda politicians pay rich tributes to Parrikar

MARGAO/PONDA: Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao said he was really very sad to hear the sad news of the passing away of Goa’s chief minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday. “Manohar was not only a good leader and administrator as everybody knows but he was also a very good person who was sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the people. He went to any length to ensure that justice was given to the people and specially the marginalised sections. I offer my condolences to his family members and pray that he has eternal rest now,” said Churchill.

Siddhesh Bhagat, Aquem Baixo Sarpanch, said he was angry with the Bharatiya Janata Party who made him suffer so much to save the party. “He was compelled to continue as chief minister even though his health was bad and he was not given time by the party to be with his family and take care of himself in the last journey of his life. The torture inflicted upon Manohar proves the inability of the BJP to get a new leader,” Sidhesh added.

The Davorlim-Dicarpale Sarpanch, Sahar Shaikh said Manohar was a good chief minister who had command over the administration. “He was also a very good person who used to visit people at their homes and I recall him coming to meet my father at our house in Sanguem,” Shaikh added.

Meanwhile Allwyn Jorge, Carmona Sarpanch, said it was very sad to hear the news of Parrikar’s demise as he was instrumental in bringing about a lot of development in the State of Goa. 

“It is most unfortunate that he was forced to remain in the CM’s chair despite his poor health. I hope we shall now get a new chief minister who will usher in new hopes and fulfill the people’s aspirations. Ideally it would be best if the Assembly is dissolved and a fresh mandate is sought,” opined Allwyn.

Paul Pereira, Deputy Sarpanch of Navelim, said Parrikar was a very good administrator and a good leader that Goa had for some time now.

“Parrikar entered the Assembly the year I left it and has had an overwhelming presence in Goa’s political scenario ever since. He brought the BJP up from nowhere and in the process captured the vote bank and decimated the MGP. His party men practically deified him and there was never any challenge to him from within the party,” said Radharao Gracias.

“He is the only leader of any political party in Goa with a substantial national presence and was a recognised national leader of the BJP. He was scooped up from Goa and made the Union Defence Minister which is a rare honour. He brooked no nonsense and was practical though overbearing at times. Even his opponents regarded him and the void caused by his death may not be filled for a long time,” Radharao added further.

“It is indeed very sad that his death was prolonged for so long and he was not allowed to rest in peace,” said Celestino Noronha, a Comunidade activist.

Dr Jorson Fernandes, the UGDP President, said he was a very good political strategist who handled all situations with great tact. “We condole his death and offer our deepest sympathies to his family members to bear with the loss,” added Jorson.

Macasana Sarpanch Agnelo Costa said he “was a very good chief minister and we shall not get another administrator like him. He helped me by sanctioning the ground in my village.”

Meanwhile the Pondaiites also paid rich tributes to Parrikar. Ponda MLA and former Chief Minister Ravi Naik said that “Manohar Parrikar had contributed for development and played an important and valuable role as Defence Minister of Country as well as Chief Minister of Goa. He even fought bravely his terminal illness.”

Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude said Manohar Parrikar was good administrator and that after former first Chief Minister Bhahusaheb Bandodkar it “was Parrikar who was among popular leaders among masses and his contribution in all fields of development will always be remembered by us.”

MGP President Deepak Dhavalikar said he was visionary leader. His demise has created massive loss to Goa and Country. Industrialist Sandeep Nigale said Manohar Parrikar was visionary leader and having control on Administration.

Former Speaker of Goa Assembly Adv. Vishwas Satarkar said that Parrikar was great man and man like him is rarely born and attributed his guidance led him to become an MLA.

BJP Block President Vishwanath Dalvi said he was the ideal leader that kept all the BJP workers together as one family.

Anita Naik said that she saw how he was performing well in the assembly session. She said he was good administrator at the same time good opposition leader and always troubled ruling party with his questions. “He was the man with deep study in assembly and always came to the help of his ministers. 

“He was great intelligent visionary politician that brought the growth of BJP in Goa. Chief Minister Parrikar acted like a bridge and brought politicians with different opinions together to form his government from time to time and provided a stable government. He was the leader with full control on his Cabinet and Government Officials,” said Umesh Naik.