The Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party president Deepak Dhavalikar and PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar's statement denying moves of party merger with the BJP is a complete over-reaction to mask the brewing resentment within the party organization. It came as a surprise that the Dhavalikars called for a press conference only to clarify that rumors were spread by individuals with vested interests and reports were nothing else but
paid news.
Despite all efforts to put up a show of unity and strength, the Dhavalikars couldn't master a majority to drive home their point. Out of the 15 Central Committee members, there were only four that flanked the brothers at the meeting which was called to prove a point. Majority of the Central committee members while speaking to The Goan had expressed their unhappiness over the way things were moving within the party setup. There were doubts and fears that were being raised over the future of the MGP. Members who have been silent have started to raise their voices when a decision was made to reduce the term of the Central Committee from two years to two months. These were neither the doubts nor the fears of The Goan.
The Dhavalikars pressed the panic button sensing that they are losing their foothold in the party even as the majority section simmers with discontent in the background. This is not very pleasing news to the Dhavalikars, and for them this was paid news. Ironically, Sudin admitted that he was approached by the BJP during government formation with a proposal to merge the MGP.
What has compounded the problem is the way Goa Forward has made inroads since the time they joined hands with the BJP to rule the state. The Goa Forward was a clear case in point for the disgruntled Central Committee members, where all three MLAs not only walked away with plum portfolios, but also ensured that their men got key posts and corporations. If they are to douse the flames of rebellion, the Dhavalikars should start by explaining to their Central Committee members what they have done for their workers since they climbed the rungs of power in 2005. They need to explain why the central committee is sidelined on crucial issues.
We do agree that no one can raise questions on how the party should be run or how elections are to be fought. And we do respect the fact that the MGP has been rooted in the State for 54 long years. MGP, which is first ruling party after the end of Portuguese colonial rule in 1961 is a crucial player in Goa's political arena and cannot be allowed to be eliminated at any cost.
There are occasional storms brewing up in every party. A certain level of bravado is required to face such situations. Sorting out internal party issues and restoring the confidence of the disgruntled members is a job at hand for the Dhavalikars for now. Masking the truth and trying to silence the voices of rebellion by terming it as paid news is deceitful. It's time Davalikars stand up and smell the coffee.
