BJP's Goa desk in-charge C T Ravi refuted reports of discontentment growing among the eight 'defecting' legislators from the Congress party. He clarified that the group of eight was content in the BJP, with each given specific responsibilities in the party setup. Another senior BJP leader stated that there is no need for a cabinet reshuffle for now, and the party does not want to disturb the smooth functioning of the current dispensation. However, indications are that there is a restlessness within the BJP, with karyakartas detesting moves to accommodate the breakaway group.
Around a month back, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, while speaking to a Marathi news channel, disclosed that a few from the 'defecting' group would be accommodated in the cabinet even as the suspense grew over the names and the timing of the induction. News of two senior legislators from the group getting ministership has been doing the rounds since the eight crossed sides on September 14.
C T Ravi hinted there was no pre-condition for switching sides, and all eight in the group had maintained this in the past. It's common knowledge that the business side of politics is always a secret, as much as it is true that no legislator would switch parties for charity. Defection for the sake of constituency development has become a dubious norm that has no takers. The 'voice of God' fiction that Digambar Kamat scripted was another story.
The BJP leadership is obviously caught in a predicament, and the probable induction of two imports at the cost of two from their men has become tricky. Also, the community balance that the BJP seeks to maintain is restricting the flexibility of a reshuffle. Add to this the internal party rumblings that are loud and clear and the unease among party workers.
In the existing scenario, the BJP leadership should clarify its approach instead of keeping the issue hanging and allowing "masala rumours" to be floated. Speculations happen because there is indecisiveness within the BJP, with leaders, both State and Central, talking in different tones. The projection CT Ravi gave is very deceptive and does not match reality.
On the flip side, whether the 'defectors' are rewarded or not, it does not leave much scope for them to manoeuvre because of the government's brute majority. Moreover, their political destiny now rests with the Speaker who is hearing a disqualification petition against them. If the BJP chooses, the plea before the Speaker could even be used to silence those rebelling against the party.
While the BJP holds the reins, leaving the 'defectors' stranded will put in perspective the risks involved in party-hopping and the awkwardness of having to prove their dedication towards the party and workers. If the anti-defection law could not deter power-hungry legislators, at least this situation will throw some light on the dark side of defections.
