SANJAY BORKAR
PONDA
Claiming that attempts to link him with the Goa Forward Party have been politically motivated, Art and Culture Minister and Priol’s Independent MLA Govind Gaude said he would always remain with the BJP, but would not support another ailing person to replace an unwell Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
Referring to efforts to elevate PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, who had recently undergone medical treatment in Mumbai, Gaude insisted he had nothing personal against the MGP.
Speaking to The Goan, the minister also admitted that the state administration had suffered due to the current political scenario.
Gaude had come under attack and invited public wrath on social media as soon as his photo along with Goa Forward Party (GFP) leaders went viral on Sunday, shortly after they had gone to meet BJP party observers in Panaji.
Unhappy netizens sought to question Gaude on how he could shake hands with the GFP, when BJP leaders had campaigned for him in Priol and had got him elected in 2017.
“It is foolish and wrong for anyone to link me with the GFP, as both the GFP and I are supporting BJP. Hence, the question of supporting GFP doesn’t arise. I am supporting BJP and will be always with them,” Gaude said.
“One should keep in mind that I had supported Manohar Parrikar as chief minister, but if the situation demands a replacement, I will support anyone chosen by the BJP,” Gaude added.
Asked pointedly if he was willing to support PWD Minister and MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar, if BJP leaders decided to elevate him as replacement to Parrikar, Gaude shot back: “Should another ailing person be given the charge?”
“Should we entrust our administration in the hands of an ailing person? I personally don’t want any ailing person to be given the CM’s post,” said Gaude.
“It is not political enmity and I have nothing personal against the MGP. But I have never supported Sudin Dhavalikar and am not interested in being associated with him.”
“While considering a candidate for the CM’s post, it is not necessary only to chose a “senior most” leader, as “juniors” who have the calibre can also run the administration well.”
“I have no problem even if other MGPs leaders, Manohar Ajgaonkar and Deepak Pauskar, are shortlisted to the post. Anyone who is healthy can take charge.”
“Everyone knows that Sudin Dhavalikar is ailing and hence, it is wrong to even think of him as a potential candidate for the CM’s post,” said the minister.
Asked if the administration had suffered due to the current situation of an ailing Parrikar, Gaude replied in the positive.
“Frankly speaking, the administration has been affected. For how long can we allow this prevailing situation to continue? The BJP should take call on this,” said Gaude.
