Panaji, Mar 5 (TOI): CM Manohar Parrikar and Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai went into a huddle on Monday and discussed the state’s delicate political situation, triggering speculation that some action could be taken against alliance partner MGP.
The speculation has been further fueled by art and culture minister Govind Gaude’s demand for PWD minister Ramkrishna Dhavalikar to be ousted.
Sardesai met Parrikar for 45 minutes where the discussion soon moved from “administrative matters” to political strategies due to the MGP’s persistent stand of contesting the Shiroda, Mandrem and Mapusa byelections, seats that the BJP wants to contest and win.
According to officials who were privy to the closed-door meeting between Parrikar and Sardesai, Parrikar discussed possible strategies to counter the MGP. Political circles are abuzz that there are moves by BJP to get two of the three MGP MLAs into its fold.
Sources said that GFP is strongly backing the moves of the BJP to “teach a lesson” to the MGP if it goes ahead with contesting the bypolls.
There were strong rumours that tourism minister Manohar Azgaonkar and Sanvordem MLA Deepak Pauskar would join BJP thereby isolating Dhavalikar.
After the meeting, when Sardesai was asked if “Plan B” was discussed, the TCP minister answered in the affirmative. Sardesai also brushed aside questions about a change in the government leadership.
“There may be some coalition parties that are fighting, but they are unanimous about Parrikar’s leadership. Nobody has asked the CM to step down. So there is no question about talking about leadership change,” Sardesai said.
Sources said that Sardesai also spoke to the CM to settle the grievances voiced by independent MLA from Sanguem, Prasad Gaonkar. He resigned as chairman of Goa Forest Development Corporation last year charging the government of not supporting him in executing works under the corporation.
Now, in case there is any political development, Gaonkar’s support could be crucial if the CM decides to “act” against MGP.
On Monday, Gaude spoke out against MGP, specifically Dhavalikar, and has even gone to the extent of demanding action against the PWD minister not just for the MGP deciding to contest the bypolls but also on the issue arising out of the widening of highway at Colvale.
“It is time the CM takes a decision on this situation which is spoiling Goa’s reputation. I feel if this has to stop, then these people have to be taken out of the government,” said Gaude.
A source said that if BJP fails to take action against MGP, it would show the weakness of the party which holds 13 assembly seats as compared to Congress’ 14 seats.