Former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, to a major part of his last tenure, led a coalition government of compromises. Appeasing allies was one of the biggest challenges he faced while also ensuring survival of his BJP-led government. In fact, Parrikar’s much-talked about leadership was blunted to a large extent on account of mounting coalition pressures. The dependence on allies forced Parrikar to remain a mute spectator even to an extent where he silently watched some heated verbal spats at cabinet meetings.
Cut to the present and the political canvas changes drastically. BJP has engineered its way to a majority, thanks to ever-willing legislators that went party-hopping coupled with the party’s success at the recent bypoll. The party has perched itself at the top with 17 MLAs, and remains a dominant partner. And this is why Chief Minister Pramod Sawant finds himself in a commanding position.
The recent addition of portfolios to his cabinet colleagues is testimony of the unyielding authority Sawant wields in the current equation. It not only reflects that the CM is calling the shots, but goes a long way to show that the BJP is no longer going to be bullied by allies.
Obviously the chief minister has his math worked out while allocating portfolios. On one hand, BJP ministers are duly rewarded. Mauvin Godinho is given Transport, a portfolio which Babu Ajgaonkar was eyeing, and Vishwajit Rane is given Law and Industries. The gloom may be showing in some sections, including Ajgaonkar, but the situation is beyond anyone’s control.
By allocating the crucial Forest portfolio to Deputy Chief Minister Vijai Sardesai, Sawant has tried to soothe ruffled sentiments with his deputy. But that’s not the end of the story. He has done a fine balancing with Goa Forward. Jayesh Salgaokar has been given an insignificant museum portfolio while Vinoda Paliencar has been completely ignored.
Goa Forward supremo finds comfort in the crucial Forest portfolio, a department which will facilitate conversion proposals awaiting forest clearances. But Vijai is in no position to take up the case of his other two party colleagues. The relegation of two players can only expose the fine fissures within Goa Forward, a situation which the BJP can use to its advantage, going ahead. Much against the talk of Goa Forward heading the MGP way, this situation can only make it easier for the saffron party to take its tally to 19 without touching any Congress legislators. Vijai can only seek solace from the fact that decisions regarding government are taken in Delhi and that he enjoys good ties with Amit Shah. But politics doesn’t always endorse friendships.
The portfolio allocation may have ruffled a few feathers, but it doesn’t give any room for ministers, especially allies to manoeuvre. It’s time everyone understands that this is stability which the BJP and its allies were fighting for. And it’s time the power-hungry get down to work.
