KISHOR NAIK GAONKAR
PANAJI
Despite claims that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is expected to return to the State some time soon and strong rejections by coalition partners about any leadership change, some leaders have begun taking leadership roles in a subtle bid to project themselves as a viable option to the ailing chief minister.
Even though all government affairs have been handed over to the key Cabinet Advisory Committee (CAC) while Parrikar is undergoing medical treatment in New York, some ministers and legislators have begun taking leadership roles to rise up in the list of potential hopefuls to succeed Parrikar, should the need arise.
According to official information, the chief minister is likely to return to Goa next month and the BJP believes that he would resume work in full swing given his “good response” to the medical treatment.
However, medical experts differ with politicians on Parrikar’s condition and his ability to resume duty shortly on his arrival.
According to some medical experts, the chief minister would need some rest on his return and may not be in a position to discharge his duties with the same capability and intensity as before.
This has revived the possibility that Parrikar could need replacement, if the BJP-led government has to complete its term till 2022.
Ever since they were handpicked by Parrikar to constitute the CAC, PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, Urban Development Minister Francis D’Souza and TCP Minister Vijay Sardesai have wielded considerable authority.
SUDIN DHAVALIKAR
Dhavalikar had taken an early lead as a potential hopefuls to succeed Parrikar and some analysts even suggested the possibility that leadership of the State might be handed over to him.
However, following objections by state BJP leaders and other members of the coalition government, Dhavalikar lost his position as the undisputed alternate leader and BJP went on to reject any claims of a leadership change.
Staking claim to rise up this list of leadership hopefuls are TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane.
VIJAI SARDESAI
By virtue of being a CAC member, TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai has had an influential role in governance of the State.
Despite ongoing protests by various village groups against the PDA and Regional Plan 2021, Sardesai has refused to yield to all demands and has, instead begun focusing on his other portfolio as agriculture minister.
He has begun tours of various constituencies through the agriculture department and has been interacting with farmers to promote agriculture production and horticulture development.
On the issues of licences to liquor shops, Sardesai took the initiative to offer relief to liquor shop owners, as member of a special cabinet committee.
VISHWAJIT RANE
Rane too has been in the news for his efforts to overhaul the health department. Besides visits to the South Goa District Hospital and the Goa Dental College, Rane has begun the process of outsourcing various services in GMC to offer better services to patients. He has also been seen handing over new ambulances, visiting rural hospitals and discussing ways to promote the Department of Women and Child Welfare.
FRANCIS D’SOUZA
Not to be left behind, senior BJP leader Francis D’Souza is also active as a CAC member, but has had limited exposure to limelight due to his health conditions. D’Souza had once shown interest taking over the leadership, but he has now lagged behind in the race of potential hopefuls to succeed Parrikar.
MICHAEL LOBO
In raising his voice and taking leadership roles on some issues despite not a minister or CAC member, BJP MLA and Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo has also indicated the possibility that he has the capability to be a the helm of governance.
Whether or not Parrikar discharge his duties with the same capability and intensity on his return to the State, the race to the top position, should the need arise, is being debated not only among the political class, but also among the electorate in every nook and corner of the State.
