The discussion on Mhadei dominated the final day’s Assembly session and saw a varied mix of orations from legislators. Speeches were high on emotion, politics, and rhetoric, and some had subtle touches of poetry. The eight-hour-long discussion on the vexed Mhadei diversion issue saw legislators sway from the ‘mother’ narrative to party politics and sometimes even beyond the boundaries of the topic.
The highlight was the CM’s concluding speech, where he pleaded to rest all differences and come together in the interest of the State. An emotive CM signalled a truce with his fierce critic from the Opposition benches, Vijai Sardesai and appealed that all negative talk should end with the session. The Assembly finally resolved to ask the Centre to withdraw the consent to Karnataka’s Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and urgently set up a Mhadei Water Management Authority.
The session’s highlight was a passionate call for unity and the thumping support that Sawant got from colleagues in his government. And, it was a surprise that Vishwajit Rane, seen as a ‘silent’ critic of Sawant, made a dash to lead the discussion in the House and heaped the choicest praise for his leadership and exuding confidence that he will deliver justice for Goa.
The overwhelming support shown by senior ministers in the CM effectively took the wind out of the Opposition’s sails since they were constantly gunning for his head and asking for his resignation. The strategic counter-offensive gave wings to Sawant’s confidence while pushing the Opposition on the back foot.
The light banter between Sawant and Sardesai provided some relief from the monotonous and repetitive narratives on Mhadei. Sardesai maintained his ferocity in his talk, but his proposal of joining the BJP unconditionally if Sawant goes to Karnataka and makes a poll campaign speech against the diversion fell short of merit, even though the CM smartly countered it, saying both these moves will not help the Mhadei cause.
Amid a sea of demands and emotion, the government managed to score a big win by bringing the Opposition on the same page. Firstly, the resolutions passed were the same demands the State government and the Opposition have been pursuing. Secondly, a 12-member House committee has been constituted to deliberate and decide on the future course of action. Fierce Mhadei campaigners from the Opposition, like Vijai Sardesai, Viresh Borkar, and Venzy Viegas, besides Carlos Alvares and Michael Lobo, have been made part of the team.
The irony is that in one stroke, the Opposition voices that were until a week ago screaming of deadlines, the Goa bandh and the constitutional crisis have been effectively checkmated. Being part of the House Committee, it would now be the responsibility of each member to play a constructive role in the interest of the State, keeping away personal and political sentiments.
The political fireworks over Mhadei seem to have ended, at least for now. However, many questions still remain after the marathon House discussion: Has Goa achieved a breakthrough? Is there unanimity in fighting Mhadei, finally? Will the House resolution and formation of a committee help the cause? These are interesting questions against environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar’s opinion that Goa’s only hope lies in the Court.
