Panaji (Goa): All is not well in the BJP camp with some of its ruling legislators publicly voicing their protest over issues where the Manohar Parrikar-led government has remained a mute spectator.
Five time MLA and ex-chief minister Francis D’Souza is visibly upset with the government hinting to him to take a backseat owing to his health reasons. His recent outburst came when chief minister Manohar Parrikar doubled up as Mapusa MLA when the former was out of country, probably for medical treatment.
While the party is tackling his tantrums, deputy speaker and Chairman of North Goa Planning and Development Authority Michael Lobo expressed his anguish over attempts by coalition partners to snatch power. Lobo is peeved that government has nearly approved splitting the PDA for the North District, just to please some political leaders. The two-time BJP MLA, who managed to pull the regional parties to form a coalition government at the time when Goa witnessed fractured mandate in March 2017 election, has even offered to give his portfolios.
“There are some who are greedy for power. They are not concerned about the well being of the people of Goa. They are working for themselves. Everyday the political parties (referring to allies) are wishing for new portfolios. If you’ll want, take my portfolios,” he taunted without naming any ally party.
The BJP has maintained silence over the issues of unhappiness expressed by its legislator Lobo over this bifurcation of PDAs and dissident amongst the coalition partners over distribution of power.
After the Goa Forward Party’s attempt to add portfolios in its kitty, MGP had expressed dissatisfaction over preference given to the former in distribution of the power.
“There are statements being made over several issues through media. But I feel that the aggrieved persons should talk to chief minister. The issues don’t get solved if you address them in media,” BJP State President Vinay Tendulkar said.
On the outburst by D’Souza; former ministers Laxmikant Parsekar and Rajendra Arlekar have come out in his support. While Arlekar claimed that the ex-deputy CM has misunderstood the present situation, Parsekar sought that D’Souza should be allowed to complete his term stating, “He is fit. Health should not be the reason to sideline him.”
CM Manohar Parrikar is likely to meet the Mapusa MLA to clarify the apprehensions.
Team TNV
