Panaji: After series of meetings and speculations, the political scene in Goa has turned calmer but uneasy as the issue of leadership change seems to be kept on the backburner.
Till now, the update is that, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will continue on his post while the search has began for the post of the deputy, who will be de-facto head of the State.
After going through low health condition, the Chief Minister has now began clearing the files from All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi where he is admitted. A senior officials attached to his office are camping in Delhi, while some are travelling with the files.
He is also clearing the files on e-mail.
Under these circumstances, the crucial decision would be who would be the deputy in his cabinet. MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar seems to be completely out of race while the choice is between Goa Forward Party leader Vijai Sardesai or anyone from the BJP.
Amongst BJP, the leaders are divided as to who should be the deputy. The attention is also given on filling of two ministerial berths as Pandurang Madkaikar and Francis D’Souza continues to be ailing.
Speaker Dr Pramod Sawant who was front runner in all the senses might find himself stuck to the same position as the government is not in a mood change him. The election for new Speaker could be turning point for this government.
Amongst the rest of the leaders the obvious contenders for the deputy and the ministerial berth are Michael Lobo and Nilesh Cabral. Both the legislators are likely to be inducted in the cabinet.
Parrikar is also expected to give away his portfolios to rest of the ministers. Few of the ministers are going to get heavy weight departments which will increase their influence.
None in the government is able to give exact timeline when the new developments would take place, but it is expected that this weekend is going to be much calmer compared to the last when the Central Observers had arrived to take stock of the political situation.
