the goan I network
PANAJI
Monday’s development in which two ailing ministers were replaced in Goa cabinet with fresh faces has apparently boosted the spirits of the allies -- Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Goa Forward Party.
Leaders of both these parties, Sudin Dhavalikar and Vijai Sardesai, were seated side-by-side at the swearing-in ceremony and were unusually chatty with each other. Both were quick to react positively to the Cabinet reshuffle.
Dhavalikar in particular was aggressive in his defence of Parrikar continuing to head the government while confined to AIIMS in Delhi.
The MGP leader even drew a parallel with the late Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalitha continuing as CM even after being unwell in hospital for more than a year. Dhavalikar said they had elected Parrikar as Chief Minister and he was doing a good job.
“Jayalalitha was unwell and no one raised an issue. I do not understand why it is being raised,” Dhavalikar said after the swearing-in ceremony.
The PWD minister said, with the induction of Milind Naik and Nilesh Cabral in the Cabinet the problem of absentee ministers is resolved. He expressed confidence that Parrikar will now also resolve other issues plaguing the government one at a time.
“He (CM) will allocate portfolios soon,” Dhavalikar said, adding that decisions on other things will follow.
The ruling coalition has come under severe criticism from the Opposition Congress and other quarters for alleged indecision and governance paralysis owing to long absences of Parrikar himself and the two ministers who were dropped on Monday -- Francis D’Souza and Pandurang Madkaikar.
For nearly two weeks, the BJP central leadership first considered elevating Dhavalikar to hold charge as Deputy Chief Minister but the move was aborted after Sardesai vetoed it.
An effort to find a replacement for Parrikar after he offered to resign on health grounds was also given up when BJP national president announced on Sunday that he will continue to lead the government with a cabinet reshuffle and portfolio shake-up.
