MGP denies attempt to push for leadership of Goa in absence of Parrikar

The MGP, an ally in the BJP-led government in Goa, ruled out today any attempt from its side to push for leadership change due to the absence of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is in the US for medical treatment for the second time in five months.

Sudin Dhavalikar, a leader of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and also a minister, said there is "no major" health issue with Parrikar, who is undergoing treatment for the pancreatic ailment.

Asked whether his party will push for a new leader due to Parrikars health issues, Dhavalikar said, "I don't want to speak on this. These are useless things. We have formed the government with Manohar Parrikar as the leader.

"If there is any major issue related to his health, then we might have thought, but at present, there is no thinking on those lines," said the MGP minister.

Dhavalikar was part of the Cabinet Advisory Committee (CAC) which handled the affairs of the state administration for three months after Parrikar left for the US in March for treatment.

"We have chosen Manohar Parrikar as our leader. He is right now taking medical treatment in the USA, that is why at this stage whatever questions that are raised have no meaning. No one should comment on this issue," he said.

The minister, whose party is the oldest regional outfit in the coastal state, said this time there was no need for Parrikar to form another CAC as he has gone to the USA "only for eight days".

"Parrikarhas went (to the US) only for eight days. Developmental works are going on at their own pace in the state. Our government is working in a proper direction." Dhavalikar said there is no collapse of the state administration in the absence of the 62-year-old chief minister.

"Each minister, their secretaries, and directors look after state administration. Each minister should look after his own department and we have an efficient state chief secretary. Our bureaucrats perform very well," he said.

The MGP leader said though two Goa ministers Pandurang Madkaikar and Francis DSouza are also in hospital, the work of their departments has not been adversely affected.

"The state chief secretary is empowered to work for all departments. If anyone thinks that this administration is not proper and they have an issue, then they can come to me or go to Vijai Sardesai, Vishwajit Rane or Rohan Khaunte (all ministers). We are available for the people," he said.

Parrikar left for the US on August 30 for further medical treatment from Mumbai, where he was admitted in a private hospital. He is expected to be back home on September 8.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)