PANJIM: The first round of interaction between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) central observers and local MLAs does not appear to have borne any fruit. Not only could a consensus on a replacement for ailing Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar be reached, but there now are discussions on whether the arrangement should be temporary or permanent.
As Parrikar underwent a series of tests at AIIMS on Sunday, BJP observers landed in Goa to troubleshoot the ongoing political crisis. BJP All India general secretary Ram Lal, Goa desk in charge B L Santosh and organising secretary Vijay Puranik spent all of Sunday meeting party MLAs, office-bearers and alliance partners in the State capital.
The mission was obvious to understand and convey the mood of the party MLAs, MPs, and alliance partners to BJP National President Amit Shah. While the meetings were one-on-one, the party as a whole declined to give a clear picture on the present situation.
Ram Lal dodged media questions stating the meeting was nothing to do with the developments in the government–led coalition. “There is no crisis on the change in leadership in the State. We are here for organisational agenda, not political agenda,” he told reporters on being questioned if the party’s central leaders were rushed to Goa to handle the crisis.
While speculations continued about a change in leadership, the party has maintained a stoic silence even as all its leaders expressed their views to the central leaders. The local leaders have, however, been vocal that Parrikar continues as the CM but considering that he needs rest at the moment, a temporary arrangement is the need of the hour.
BJP State President and Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar spoke in the same vein saying that Goa will have Parrikar as CM. “There won’t be any change in CM’s post. Parrikar is our CM. The BJP leaders from Delhi are here to discuss on the smooth functioning of the administration in the State and to maintain there is stability,” he said. The party, he said, also does not want a deputy chief minister to be appointed.
BJP’s Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral said the party is not in favour of the chief Minster resigning while ruling out any reshuffle in the government.
“Why reshuffle when Parrikar is there. Nobody can be a good leader like him and nobody can replace him. Parrikar is the CM and will remain to be the CM. If he is not well, should we ignore him? No, but a temporary decision has to be taken and someone among us (from the BJP) has to be made the leader,” he said, explaining that in the interest of the party and the people of Goa, the central leaders suggested to find a leader from within the BJP to temporarily run the administration.
“We should give him rest and appoint someone from us to temporarily run the administration so that he can come back in full vigour,” he added.
Minister Vishwajit Rane and Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo, who thereafter walked out of the meeting room together, said that party high command will take a final decision after the one-on-one interaction. Lobo, on the other hand, said a decision is likely within a week.
“We have given our views and party leadership will decide whatever has to be done after analysis. I have shared my views in view of the present scenario,” he said declining to divulge the details of his meeting with the party’s central observers.
“Decision on the present political situation will be taken within one week. The central leaders are taking all our views,” he said revealing that he suggested that to strengthen the two regional parties can be merged and joined into BJP.
Minister Mauvin Godinho also stated that there is ‘no vacancy’ for CM’s post. “There is no vacancy for CM’s post. Parrikar has suggested various alternatives in the interest of Goa,” he told reporters. Godinho earlier in the day met Parrikar at AIIMS, Delhi.
Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida cited various pending departmental files with the government. As such, he has recommended the central leaders to distribute the portfolios so that the administration does not suffer.
MLA Glen Ticlo assured that there won’t be dissolution of the Assembly as against apprehensions raised by the Opposition and several others.
MP Shripad Naik, whose name often crops up as the next CM, has asked for patience as the Central leaders will decide the next course of action. The party is expected to brief the media on Monday giving the latest development on the meetings.
MP Narendra Sawaikar declined giving details of the meeting saying the leaders are in Goa to discuss organisational matters and some Central welfare missions.
