the goan I network
MARGAO
Reminding that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was like “fevicol” and a “binding glue” which helped to hold the disparate parties together in the coalition government, Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai on Friday asserted that Parrikar will remain the Chief Minister, adding that every aspect of his health and the State’s political leadership is being given a serious thought.
He parried a question whether the candidature of Pramod Sawant and Vishwajit Rane as Parrikar’s successors will be acceptable for the Goa Forward Party, saying that the regional party will take a call on the leadership issue only after receiving a proposal from the BJP central leadership.
The TCP Minister went a step further and said that Parrikar’s role in building a modern Goa cannot be forgotten, saying that Parrikar was instrumental in getting funds to the tune of Rs 20,000 crore to give a boost for the State which has received a huge tourism potential as Goa forms part of the tourism circuit. “Parrikar will remain the Chief Minister of Goa. Every aspect of his health and the political leadership of the State is being given a serious thought. Parrikar is suffering from a disease, which is not of his making. These are the mitigating circumstances. But, Goemkars have a large heart,” he added.
Saying that the Goa Forward had made a positive compromise by joining the coalition government, Sardesai said, “Parrikar was a “fevicol” and a binding glue which had held the disparate parties together. What has happened to him is not in his hands. But, we cannot abdicate the responsibility. We have to take the coalition forward. What was conceptualised needs to be implemented.”
To another query, the TCP Minister said the BJP national president, Amit Shah, also understands the unique political equation, when disparate parties had come together to form a government headed by Parrikar, adding “this equation has to be respected”.
On Vishwajit Rane and Pramod Sawant as the probable candidates for CM’s post after Parrikar, the TCP Minister said “this issue was discussed with BJP President Amit Shah. Let the BJP leadership decide and send a proposal, only then
the alliance partners will take a call”.
