Winds of political change blow over Goa BY HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 8 – Goa's political scenario suddenly seems to be hotting up again as moves are reportedly on to destabilise the 7-month-old Digambar Kamat government.
Interestingly, the pro-SEZ (special economic zone) lobby is learnt to be backing this move and SEZ-supporting politicians are working out combinations and permutations, sources said. It may be noted that quite a few ministers and MLAs were upset with the chief minister's decision to scrap SEZs from Goa. In a bid to pre-empt the decision, in mid-December there was a move of leadership change but the promoters couldn't muster support. Unable to get it through the High Command, some of those who brought SEZ promoters to Goa in 2006 are now in the process of drumming up support against the government. They are also seeking the support of all those who have grievances against Kamat including Taleigao MLA Babush Monserrate. The capital city was abuzz with news that 3-4 senior politicians from Goa had a meeting in Mumbai over the emerging political situation in the State. A first-time Cabinet minister, a non-Congress MLA and one top BJP leader were in Mumbai, the sources said. It is learnt that a businessman who is linked to a SEZ project in Goa was also present. Later in the evening, they were learnt to have spoken to an MGP leader to seek support of the Dhavlikar brothers who are waiting for Speaker Pratapsing Rane's order on their disqualification plea. It is only if their voting rights are restored that they would be able to play an important role in any political game ahead. Interestingly, Madkai MLA Deepak Dhavlikar (MGP) today evening extended full support to Cipla's Meditab Specialities Pvt Ltd to start any industry in Keri-Ponda instead of the SEZ project. At a press conference here, he along with MGP chief Pandurang Raut, said the villagers there would fully back a project of Cipla that would generate jobs for the youth. "We have given a letter to the management about the manpower available in Ponda Taluka," he said. A source in the Congress said that Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane has patched up with his political foes for a marriage of convenience. Some in the government have shown surprise that the minister has 'failed' to settle the GMC employees' demands. Incidentally, Monserrate, on returning via Mumbai, fired the first salvo against the CM and Finance Minister Dayanand Narvekar indicating that some developments cannot be ruled out later this month. Sources said that Monserrate, fed up with the Congress, is now inclined to be part of NCP. Asked for his reaction Monserrate, after a long pause said, "Anything can happen in politics." However, much depends upon whether the main players have the numbers with them. This is exactly the task they are busy with, sources said, adding that they are cautious not to repeat the July 26 episode in which many, including Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar, burnt their fingers. Analysts say there can be no new alternative without BJP being part of it.
