ROHAN KHAUNTE (RK): As far as Congress is concerned, they had the highest number of seats. It was the incapability of the Congress to form government. With 17 MLAs and considering me as 18th, they needed only three more to get the majority to form the government. However, the fragmentation and infighting for CM’s post went on for two marathon days. Neither the elected MLAs nor desk in-charge Digvijaya Singh were able to appoint a CLP leader. Meanwhile, we also had MGP going in the direction of BJP camp.
Secondly, there was no proper post-poll coalition talk between Goa Forward (GF) and the Congress and their numbers were nowhere to be seen. With all the prevalent factors, one could only forsee instability with everyone considering oneself above the party. That’s where the Congress failure started.
I was in touch with Digvijaya continuously to know about two things “ whether the Congress had finalised CLP leader and CM candidate and whether they had begun talks with other parties to form the government. But everything was in vain. So despite having 17 and me as the 18th, they did not even have the ability get another three to form the government.
On the other hand, BJP had already got the support from MGP, GF, Independent Priol MLA Goving Gaude whom they had backed during elections, and Sanguem Independent MLA Prasad Gaonkar. Their numbers were increasing, so for me it was either be with them and ensure that the development of my constituency takes place or be out of it. Secondly, when you speak about stability, it is utmost needed after forming the government also. The main criterion was running the government for five years which will ensure stability and performance.
Presently, it’s a coalition government and we have not joined BJP. So looking at the larger picture, keeping my ego and self-pride aside for the sake of my people and constituency I have taken this decision. It has been really tough for me as we all have fought against the BJP in elections.
TGE: Your support to BJP to form the government was conditional. You insisted on support only if Manohar Parrikar returns to Goa as the CM. Comment.
RK: Personal connect and political connect are totally different aspects. Although politically we all come from different backgrounds and mindsets, all of us have come together only for one agenda of development and stability. As a Chief Minister he has performed well earlier. He has been an able administrator. Additionally, he has his expertise in finance.
Nonetheless, with BJP government ruling the Centre, we will also be able to get financial support for the State. And most importantly, if you look at stability we just have one leader which is Parrikar. So our condition to support BJP was only if he returns the State as the CM. For him also it would have been a tough decision to resign from the post of Defence Minister and come back as CM.
TGE: What are the issues you would insist on in the common minimum programme?
RK: There are many. Some of the main ones would be review of the Investment Promotion Board, completion of the Regional Plan, shifting of casinos out of River Mandovi, reclassification of the coconut tree, kul and mundkar issue, nationalisation of rivers, among others. We have raised these issues during the last term and now that we are a part of the Government, it gives us an opportunity to retain Goa’s identity and Goenkarrponn. We need to discuss, deliberate and find a solution to these issues. I will try my best to make it friendly to the common man.
TGE: Which portfolios do you expect?
RK: I have asked them for any portfolio with which I can perform, especially where the common man is affected the most, where administrative failures have been in the past and where corrections are needed. I will try my best to make it people-friendly.
