Goa government without CM
Human beings suffer from diseases some way or the other. They change a human being from inside out when they arrive. And at times, they even take the human being with them when they depart, while leaving a huge impact on family members too. This also imparts somewhat a new perspective about life to those who see this from close. The disease is a true humanist. It does not differentiate between poor and rich. It affects everyone equally. Politicians, movie stars, industrialists, actors, all of them have been claimed by cancer. And it has spread its claws around some prominent politicians. But in the recent times, Goa CM Manohar Parrikar is in news for different reasons.
That his cancer is at terminal stage has been revealed by BJP leaders themselves in an official press statement. A minister said though his disease has advanced, he is still proactive in the administration. At the same time, Goa Speaker has said Parrikar will remain the CM of Goa till the end. It’s not like a cancer stricken person shouldn’t occupy high posts. In the recent times Goa CM’s picture splashed across all media outlets. He was wearing a tube in his nose, and had gone terribly weak physically. In this picture, he was participating in the session. It didn’t look like he was fit to take part in the administration under such dire condition. More than anything else, a cancer patient has his own dignity. A weak body and tube running through the nose is a bit dramatic to be seen in the house.
It is evident that he cannot take care of the administration under such circumstances. BJP is running a government in Goa only with Parrikar’s name in the front. In some ways there is no post of CM in Goa per se. Or the office of a CM has been shifted to a hospital ward. At this stage, Parrikar has to resign voluntarily. It was his duty to do that and hand over the post to someone else. But this has not happened. More than that, BJP has clearly said he will continue to be the CM till the end.
One wonders whether BJP is using Parrikar’s health as a political tool. It is trying to show Parrikar’s weak pictures to people to emphasise he is working for people’s good even till the end of his breath trying to evoke public sympathy, just as the party is doing politics over soldiers dead bodies. This is not just inhuman but also shows the desperate situation BJP is in. This is a shameless stage that BJP has reached to stay in power. Parrikar is a failed defence minister. He resigned from the post of union defence minister to become the CM of Goa.
He played a big role to clinch power for BJP in Goa. In this backdrop, BJP may have assumed he has to remain in the seat of CM till the end. But one wonders whether the people of Goa need to pay this price at all. There is another argument behind Parrikar continuing as the CM. He is said to be part of the Rafale deal as well and he holds some vital documents regarding the deal. If there is an investigation, Parrikar is sure to be arrested. So it is inevitable that he continues as CM. He is also blackmailing the BJP leaders while holding on to Rafale deal. Hence they are hesitating to seek his resignation.
He knows the most important aspects of the deal but he has made it clear that he did not have any important role to play in this aspect. This must be the first time in the history of the country that a leader is running the state from his hospital ward at the terminal stage of cancer. This also shows BJP’s helplessness and absence of choice of candidates for the post of Goa CM. Hence the party will use Parrikar’s photos to do politics till Lok Sabha elections trying to whip up emotions. This way BJP has insulted both the cancer patient and also democracy. At least now BJP must get Parrikar to resign and get a new CM for Goa.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
