Panaji (Goa): All is not well in the ruling coalition, particularly at the time when two constituencies one of which will be represented by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to go for bypolls this month.
Differences between Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar (MGP) and Goa Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Nilesh Cabral (BJP), and resentment in the BJP camp over likely stripping off North Goa Planning & Development Authority Chairmanship from Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo out in public domain.
When on Tuesday Ajgaonkar assured the State Legislative Assembly to inquire into GTDC properties’ dealings in the last five years, Cabral who was holding the position even during 2012-17 lashed out at the minister daring him to inquire into all dealings of last two decades. “Why only 5 years, conduct an inquiry into properties’ dealings made in last 20 years. Mere speeches will not do,” he retorted on the House making evident rift between the duo. Upset with Ajgaonkar’s remark indicating anomalies during Cabral’s tenure, the latter has now sought for white paper into all the GTDC properties dealings including the residencies leased out on Leave & License Agreement. “He has made an assurance in the House. Now I will ask him white paper on all lease agreements, to whom it was leased out, what income did tourism department earned, etc.” he said pointing at various successes of the tourism industry in his term.
If this was not it, the BJP camp is almost demotivated over rumours that Lobo will not be holding the top post of NDPDA , which is best handled in the past 5 years. If sources are to be believed, Atanasio Monserrate who recently joined hands with government’s another coalition partner – Goa Forward Party, will replace Lobo.
This is definitely not gone down well with some ruling legislators including Cabral and Glen Ticlo. They argued that if a minister can hold a bunch of portfolios why legislators are deprived of more than one Corporation. Lobo is however awaiting a formal communication static he does not believe in rumours.
All eyes are now set on Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar for any statement or justification to the not-so-gold development within the government. Parrikar today filed nomination to contest bypolls from his bastion Panaji seat.
Team TNV