The simmering political alterations within the alliance partners over installation of statue of Father of Opinion Poll- Dr. Jack Sequeira in the Goa State Legislative Assembly Complex can be posed as a trigger for possible divide in the Manohar Parrikar led coalition government, which is all set to complete one year of power in March. Not just the alliance partners, but even BJP MLAs stand divided on the issue- the revolt if continued can harm the saffron party during the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.
After initial compromises on the issues like River Nationalization, Coal pollution, Investment Promotion Board and crucial portfolios- BJP and Goa Forward party (GFP) seems to have now taken different path; with on one side saffron party cadres finding too much under pressure of the coalition members, the GFP, on the other hand is making attempts to return back to the minority heartland in a bid to strengthen its base.
In just ten and half months after forming a surprising coalition government consisting of a national party, two regional outfits and independents, under the leadership of BJP stalwart Manohar Parrikar, difference of opinion have cropped up amongst the partners, with political parties- both ruling as well as opposition foreseeing early elections.
While everything was on track until the end of 2017, the buzz towards celebration of 51st Opinion Poll Day in South Goa- with specific focus on Fatorda constituency followed by demand for installation of Dr. Jack Sequeira statue took unexpected turn in the so called ‘ALL IS WELL IN THE GOVERNMENT’.
While GFP leaders have publicly threatened to withdraw support to the Parrikar-led government if it fails to respect the sentiments of the people by installing Dr. Jack Sequeira statue, the BJP and MGP together have resolved against the installation of statue, even as within BJP catholic MLAs have pleaded support to GFP’s demand.
“A large number of people have participated in the freedom movement, opinion poll and the all-round development of Goa. Due to this, the request for installing their statues in Vidhan sabha complex are likely to come up in near future and therefore, the BJP does not support the demand of installing any other statue in the complex and appeal all to support the developmental agenda of the government,” the resolution adopted by BJP during its special meeting chaired by Parrikar himself, reads.
However, BJP’s own MLA and deputy Speaker Michael Lobo, expressing complete displeasure over his party’s decision said that he would continue to fight the battle for the statue. “My battle will continue till Dr. Sequeira and his colleagues who worked relentlessly to protect Goa’s identity, get the place they deserve in our society,” he said.
“The day will come surely, when people of Goa will give me the opportunity to install the statue of Dr. Sequeira,” Lobo said. The statement has apparently led to many questions like whether the leader is looking for an alternative keeping in mind the early elections.
Another senior BJP catholic Minister and former Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza also raised voice against the party decision. “The statue of Dr. Sequeira should have been installed long back along with Bahusaheb Bandodkar. We are very late in granting recognition to Father of Opinion Poll. I stand by the demand of Goa Forward,” he stated.
Minister Mauvin Godinho, MLA Alina Saldanha, MLA Carlos Almeida and MLA Glenn Ticlo found not happy with their party’s decision.
With Lok Sabha elections coming nearer, the political turmoil with the party, specially the revolt by minority MLAs, may cause BJP very badly.
Minister Vijay Sardessai and his colleague Minister Jayesh Salgaonkar during Asmitai Zagor celebration held on January 16 at Lohia Maidan sent a strong signal to BJP that it will not be part of the coalition government if their party’s resolutions to keep up with ‘Goenkarpon’ are not met. This has obviously raised many eyebrows including many thinking about what will be an alternative before GFP, or is the demand for statue an attempt by the regional outfit to win back the credibility and confidence of the minorities.
GFP leaders thundered from the Lohia Maidan that BJP president Amit Shah is not the boss of the regional party and that central leaders (an obvious reference to Nitin Gadkari) cannot dictate terms to Goans, is something that has seriously upset Parrikar and the party cadres.
“There is no politics here. The person who fought to maintain this unique identity was Dr. Jack Sequeira. Hence, there is a strong demand to install his statue in the Assembly complex and I am pressing for it. It is part of Goenkarpon, if it is not met I am ready to come out of the Government and be just as MLA or not even an MLA,” Sardessai said adding that he will try to convince the Big Brother BJP on the issue.
“Just the way I have expressed my view, BJP party also has the right to express its view. But finally the decision has to be of the government. And the government is not just of BJP. It includes GFP and independents,” Sardessai said.
The Minister said that he would definitely move a resolution for installation of statue during the forthcoming budget session of the State Assembly and let then everyone come out and say what they want to.
One has to wait and see how long these differences last for or will GFP compromise on their ‘Goenkarpon’ in order to continue in power, which they are now use to. Or will BJP bow down once again to the demands of their alliance, to ensure smooth sailing for BJP during the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections- as the waves are not very much in favour of BJP.

Team TNV