Showing exemplary will power and courage, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar made a surprise and incredible visit to Goa from the confines of Lilavati hospital to present his budget, taking the political class and citizens unawares. The Chief Minister may not have achieved what he planned to do in terms of a unique budget as promised earlier, but he showed resilience and strong character. From passing budget notes from his hospital bed to stretching himself so much that officials had to make quick trips to the hospital before giving final touches to the papers, a never-say-die attitude was written all over.
And when it was time to make a presentation, the entire painstaking exercise turned out to be virtually a non-event as Parrikar stood tall in his splendor. He appeared calm and unperturbed and went about his job of delivering a shorter version of the budget speech with consummate ease much to an acknowledging applause from the benches and the galleries. It was not a time to poke holes in what the budget failed to address. It was a moment to applaud his sheer grit and determination for battling all odds and enduring the pain to make his presence felt.
The Chief Minister started off with an emotional note thanking all his colleagues in the Assembly, religious institutes and the people of Goa for their prayers and concern. But, it was his words which spelt out his vision for the year 2018-19 and the emphasis on employment and other key sectors that echoed a sense of purpose. His words, “I will be discharging my regular duties and obligations as a chief minister” not only dispelled rumours of a change in leadership but also silenced those backroom talks and all political permutations and combinations that were indiscreetly taking shape. It was the few words that Parrikar spoke during his 6-minute presentation that gave so much clarity, when even his party struggled for words for a week only to helplessly see politicos bruiting about his health.
While Parrikar’s health concerns were growing at home, there were several religious communities and sections of people that were in prayer. This shows the respect Parrikar commands in the State across the spectrum. Goa knows that he is fighting a tough battle, but the tone and tenor of his few words implies that he means business. For Parrikar to defy all odds and make a comeback, especially at a time when doctors have advised caution reflects on one side the seriousness of the ailment, but it also shows the fighting spirit of the Chief Minister. This is the biggest takeaway from the budget session.
