Is the ongoing Govind Gaude-Sudin Dhavalikar spat an indication of failure in government functioning? Otherwise how does one explain such crude and vitriolic outbursts against a senior colleague in a cabinet meeting right in the presence of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar escaping censure?
On the face of it, Gaude appears to be a young but mature politician speaking with polished ease and displaying a fair amount of composure in his public speaking. However, the unparliamentary language used against the PWD Minister in the cabinet meeting and the subsequent harshly-toned statements are quite unbecoming of an Art and Culture Minister of the State.
The bigger question however is: What does Gaude’s sudden attack on Dhavalikar in front of his cabinet colleagues mean? It is a clear indicator that he has exhausted all his options of settling issues through diplomatic channels involving the leadership. It is a sign that allies, for all their talk of the visionary guidance of Parrikar, have scant respect to the leadership. This is a clear reflection of how indiscipline and arrogance has been going unchecked. This is not the first time there are fiery exchanges witnessed between ministers. Colleagues have been fighting tooth and nail over various issues ranging from project clearances to bureaucratic hurdles. The smooth functioning of government is a myth. And Gaude’s verbal assault on Dhavalikar is an indication of the failure in functioning.
Clashes like these are bound to happen when there is a cocktail of diverse ideologies and political ambitions in a coalition. The feud has only escalated with Gaude going a step further and openly calling MGP members ‘dogs’ and ‘slaves’. But Gaude has forgotten that he has embraced this coalition and accepted MGP unconditionally, a party against which he had fought high-pitched battles in his constituency in the 2017 and 2012 elections. He joined hands with Dhavalikar for the sake of power and it goes without saying Gaude should be ready to accept the complexities that subsequently arise in this marriage of convenience.
It’s time the Chief Minister steps in. The PWD minister too should come clear of the charges leveled against him.The four-day deadline set by the MGP to act against Gaude ended on Monday, but there is no further word. The MGP seems to be losing ground, with TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai promptly aligning himself with Gaude and assuring of an alternative if Dhavalikar decides to exit the coalition. At a time when leaders are talking of government stability and completing a full term, this comes as a mild tremor that threatens to rock the boat. It’s time Parrikar shows ‘josh’ in troubleshooting issues before it is too late.
