PANJIM: The past week saw hectic political activity after the return of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday. His critical health led to just one issue on everyone’s mind: Who will be the next Chief Minister?
It was clear that there was a move for a change in leadership, taking into consideration the hurried induction of two former Congress leaders – Subhash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte. Everyone believed that the BJP was gearing up for the change as it had now got the numbers in the Assembly for a floor test.
On Wednesday, when BJP National President Amit Shah summoned the two leaders of the regional parties to Delhi, it was believed that the decision would be coming shortly.
Despite no positivity in Chief Minister’s health, the BJP is surprisingly shying away from leadership issue. “Manohar Parrikar is our leader and there is no need of leadership change,” BJP State president Vinay Tendulkar told Herald.
He said the need for leadership change arises when there is a requirement. “CM is improving, he has been ordered rest and shortly he will begin work,” he added. Frankly, Tendulkar’s statement appears to be not in sync with what the allies have been saying.
Alliance partner, Goa Forward Party’s Vijai Sardesai said that the meeting in Delhi was purely to discuss leadership issue. “The meeting was called to discuss the leadership issue. The BJP is seriously looking at the leadership issue to give Goa a stable government,” he said. He added, “We discussed the political scenario including the aspirations of Goan people.”
On the other hand MGP’s Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar says, “Till Manohar Parrikar is there he will remain CM. In future I have told Shahji that the senior-most from among the allies be given chance to lead the State.” Dhavalikar had no answer when asked how long this arrangement can work.
When these statements were put before Tendulkar, he replied, “I don’t know there is no vacancy for CM as of now as per my knowledge.”
After several such statements, one can draw just one conclusion, “the BJP and allies are not on same page on leadership issue.”
Parrikar has been away from office for long due to ill health, triggering speculation over the stability of his coalition government. The Congress had demanded a floor test in the Assembly, claiming that the State government had become rudderless and was in disarray.
