PANJIM: Even as Manohar Parrikar is set to form the government on Tuesday evening, the question has arisen as to who will sacrifice a seat for the CM-elect who is currently a Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh.
Parrikar resigned as Defence Minister and was named the BJP Legislative leader but there was no clarity from where he would contest. As per norms, after being sworn in as Chief Minister Parrikar has to contest and get elected within six months.
Parrikar, when asked at a press conference which constituency he will contest from, said, “I will speak about that at a later time.”
Speculation is rife that Parrikar will contest from Mapusa, after outgoing Dy CM Francis D’Souza resigns his seat and paves the way for the new Chief Minister. Source said D’Souza will be appointed as governor in another State.
However, there are now doubts whether D’Souza will step down even if there are instructions from the party. D’Souza rubbished the speculation that he will quit as MLA to allow Parrikar to contest from Mapusa.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “Nobody has asked me to resign. Even if I am told to do so, I will consult my workers before taking a final decision.”
This could lead to some conflict as D’Souza, who was DyCM under Parrikar was hoping to be elevated to Chief Minister when Parrikar left to be appointed the country’s Defence Minister. It didn’t happen and instead Laxmikant Parsekar was designated to lead the State.
D’Souza had shown signs of dissent at that time and pointed out that he has been a humble servant of the BJP in Goa, and represented Mapusa for the party for a very long time. This clearly suggested that he desires the chief ministerial post, even as BJP has now called upon Parrikar to take up the post. If D’Souza refuses to give up his constituency, it means Parrikar would need to look at other options.
Sources reveal that if not Mapusa, then Parrikar’s only option is Panjim, the seat he held before being appointed Defence Minister. Sources say Parrikar is keen on contesting from Panjim and would ask MLA-elect Siddharth Kunkaliencar to vacate the seat for him.
