Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s recent statement that there is no need for an acting chief minister while he is on a short trip to US brings to the fore two questions “ Is he insecure or was he confused over making open his choice of a second in command. More than anything, the statement made by Parrikar clearly asserts he doesn’t want to take the risk of having a second line of leadership. It is common knowledge that Parrikar who is known for his autocratic style of functioning had to compromise on many aspects over his style of governance to keep control over his cabinet. One example is the Common Minimum Programme which has to an extent diluted Parrikar’s brand of governance. Despite the compromises, the chief minister still wields authority. Or else, why does every coalition minister and BJP MLA confronted with a problem of his constituents stick to one common refrain: I will speak to the CM and come out with a solution?rParrikar’s form of democracy is power-centric and the same has in the past generated much criticism from the opposition and invited debate and hatred among his detractors and political analysts. Parrikar now has to realize that if he wants to keep his flock together, his style of governance has to be not much about ruling, but managing expectations.
