The BJP government has piled on further misery on a hapless Opposition when it stole the show at the 50th birthday celebrations of Curtorim constituency MLA Aleixo Reginaldo on Saturday night. While leaders took turns to heap lavish praise on the birthday boy, the meagre Congress strength that was a witness to the evening were left silent bystanders.
In an unconditional show of goodwill, the BJP leadership has promised to reward Reginaldo with “a big position” in whichever political side he may be in the future. There were broad hints that he could be a future minister and even a deputy chief minister. The new-found love for the Curtorim legislator is rather baffling given the comfortable majority that the government is in, and, certainly, there is more to what meets the eye.
Celebrations and wishing opposition MLAs have been part and parcel of political diplomacy, but to go that extra mile to accommodate Reginaldo at this juncture means that the government has breached the final frontier. No matter how strongly Reginaldo vouches to stand with the Opposition, political ethics, if at all the Curtorim MLA believes in, will be hugely compromised. A promise of a reward by the BJP or the government will mean a certain level of obligation that could impact his role in the Opposition.
Rewarding legislators beyond political boundaries and based on friendships means there are compromises. For the government, it works like a double-edged sword. It further weakens the Opposition while it also allows the government a smooth run. Reginaldo has time and again showed the fire in his belly and has floored the government on numerous occasions, sometimes with his easy-flowing theatricals. But with an obligation of a government reward in the backdrop, it is highly unlikely that he can continue his crusade with the same penchant and fire.
The bonhomie extended by the BJP was so evident that even first-time minister Michael Lobo gave assurances of future ministership and deputy chief ministership to Reginaldo even though he struggled to make it to the cabinet.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant speaks about ‘magic’ in his reference to the Congress 10-member group breaking from the Opposition party and merging with the BJP. We all know there’s no scope for magic in politics, it’s all about power. Capitalising on the frustration in the Opposition camp and their greed for power cannot be given a magical twist.
The chief minister spoke on how there should be a strong opposition in a democracy to ensure a strong government and good governance. But what an irony, this is the same government which virtually demolished the Opposition and continues to do so.
The party is done and dusted, but all eyes will now be on Reginaldo despite his assurance that he will continue to play his role as an Opposition. While there is an element of doubt creeping in, the onus will be on him to clear the air and re-establish his stand.
