The ongoing sordid drama being played out on the political stage in Goa puts
any B-grade movie to shame. It is now apparent that the unseemly haste with
which the Rane government was sworn in after the equally hasty dismissal of
its predecessor, had more to do with the compuctions within the Congress
party than any reaction by the opposition. Even the normal formality of
having Rane first elected as the leader of the United Legislature Party (how
"united" only time will tell!) was done away with lest some its members
mounted a challenge.
It first appeared that the newly-installed government was in no hurry to
seek a vote of confidence in the assembly,but suddenly and urgency appears
to have arisen in this regard. Again, it is not on account of any possible
challenge from the opposition but fears concerning the loyalty of some
members of the rag-tag coalition which has assumed power. It is more than
likely that the Cabinet will not be expanded until after the confidence
vote, for the same reason that awarding the carrot of Presidentship of the
GPPC to Ravi Naik has been similarly deferred! What better way to ensure
loyalty?
Once the confidence vote is passed, the Government can sit pretty for the
next six months - enough time for it to ensure its survival through the
usual methods with which we have become all too familiar! If, by any chance,
it is unable to survive after six months, the Governor can always dissolve
the assembly and impose President's Rule or even allow the Government to
continue in office as a caretaker government for the next six months or
until elections are held!
In the meanwhile, Parikkar would have grown a year older and, we hope,
wiser!
Benaulim, Goa:
7th.Feb.2005 --- Tony Correia-Afonso
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From: A. Correia-Afonso
542 Pulvaddo, Benaulim, Goa 403716, India.
'Phone:+91-832-2772063
Mobile: +91-9326127800
e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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