Team Herald
PORVORIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar turned emotional as he entered the State Legislative Assembly to table the State Budget 2018-19. With teary eyes and folded hands, Parrikar thanked the people of Goa for their love and affection.
Every MLA who met him turned sentimental. Keeping aside political rivalry, everyone expressed their feelings and soft corner towards the BJP tall man ‘Bhai’ on his return.
In the House, over the last three days, every MLA had been wishing for his speedy recovery and return.
“With all humility, I am grateful to all the support and prayers and well wishes of not only members of the House but lakhs of Goans, my brothers and sisters, including the leaders of various communities, religions. It is all because of you that today I stand before this August House, with reviewed strength and confidence to present the annual financial statement for the year 2018-19,” Parrikar said as he began his Budget speech.
Almost everyone from the ruling coalition had gathered at the entrance of the Assembly complex to welcome Parrikar. With folded hands, Chief Minister greeted everyone present. Ensuring that he will not attract any infection, Parrikar refrained from shaking hands with his colleagues. But he was teary-eyed, as he walked down the lane to enter his chamber.
Leader of the Opposition Chandrakant Kavlekar went and greeted Parrikar in his chamber. When the Chief Minister thanked him for agreeing to curtail the session, Kavlekar, too broke down in tears. Seeing him the Chief Minister’s eyes swelled with tears but he managed to control his emotions somewhat.
Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo, was one of his other visitors. But there was very little said with both men choked with emotion. Lobo soon left and broke down into tears.
As he reached the Assembly hall to present and table the budget, he was given a warm welcome by MLAs by tapping on their desks. With folded hands, Parrikar thanked one and all.
Senior Congress MLA Pratapsingh Rane and NCP MLA Churchill Alemao, were the first to applaud him for his fight and will power.
Both congratulated him on his return with Pratapsingh Rane saying, “Manohar valor tuka.” This was then followed by others.
While Parrikar was reading out Budget on the floor of the House, his elder son Utpal, was sitting in the ruling lobby, ensuring he was close to his father. After the Assembly session, Parrikar was rushed back home.
Religious ceremonies were held across Goa praying for the speedy recovery of the Chief Minister. Some are slated to be held on Friday and Saturday. Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao had also urged Catholics to pray for the Chief Minister’s good health.
“I thank everyone who wished me for my speedy recovery through messages, letters and prayers at various temple, churches, mosques and in other ways. It is your wishes and prayers that helped me recover speedily and return to Goa,” Parrikar said in a statement. “It fortifies my conviction that Goa and Goans are my extended family,” he added.
