the goan I network
PANAJI
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s health condition reportedly suffered a setback overnight on Friday-Saturday, triggering political frenzy in Goa since Saturday afternoon.
The ruling BJP-led coalition camp was buzzing with activity the whole day. First the party’s trouble-shooter and Organising Secretary Satish Dhond paid a visit to Governor Mridula Sinha on Saturday evening and this was followed by a meeting of BJP MLAs at around 7.30 pm.
What transpired at this meeting, ostensibly held to brief the BJP legislators on the chief minister’s health, is not clear as none of the MLAs were willing to speak on the record. The MLAs were reportedly briefed to be prepared for political options including leadership change, which will be decided by the party’s central leadership, sources said.
Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho who attended the meeting claimed that the BJP will take pragmatic decisions swiftly when the time warrants.The BJP legislators and party sources meanwhile declined to say anything on the health status of Parrikar even as reports that his condition was fast deteriorating, began spilling into the public domain since Saturday morning.
Goa Forward Party chief and TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai, meanwhile, said
his health condition was “precarious” after he paid a visit to Parrikar’s private residence at Dona Paula, accompanied by his two party legislators - Ministers Jayesh Salgaonkar and Vinoda Palienkar - and the three independent MLAs.
He told the media that all the six of them -- three MLAs of GFP and the three independents -- will continue to support the leadership of Parrikar inspite of his precarious health.
Sources said the Chief Minister, who has been battling advanced pancreatic cancer since February last year was put on ventilator support on Saturday, after his blood pressure dropped precariously.
It was only around noon that the Chief Minister’s Office issued a statement claiming his health parameters were stable. This was followed by former Panjim MLA Siddharth Kuncolienkar telling the media after a visit that Parrikar is “stable and GMC doctors were conducting regular check-ups.”
Goa governor, Mridula Sinha, meanwhile came under attack from the Opposition Congress which faxed its fresh claim to form alternate government to the Raj Bhavan.
Congress chief spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar alleged that the Raj Bhavan was being manipulated by the BJP.
“We wonder whether Raj Bhavan has been converted to BJP political office as BJP organising secretary is getting walk-in access but despite repeated requests from the Leader of the Opposition, for urgent appointment we are still to receive any communication from the Governor’s office,” Kawthankar said.
