With Manohar Parrikar’s resignation the decks clear to kick off the process to select and elect the next MLA of Panaji.
Raju Sukerkar, Ashok Mogu Naik, Gaurish Dhond and Manohar Parrikar’s very own man Friday cum errand boy Sidharth Kuncalienker are reportedly in the list of BJP probables. But it is the RSS which virtually controls the BJP that will have the last say. Having known all the four for years the encounter will be lively. It could end up even livelier if Manohar Parrikar fields his other side kick Atmaram Nadkarni. An animated out of court combat it would be. Ashok Mogu Naik despite his administrative experience and very clean record as the former Mayor of Panaji has over the last few years been humiliated and side lined alike the other leading face of the Bahujan Samaj in the BJP, the North Goa MP Shripad Naik. Sources confirm that Manohar Parrikar has zeroed on his close lieutenant Sidharth Kuncalienker. For me it will be a walk down memory lane as 30 years ago had contested as an Independent from St Andre constituency against his dad the late Dr Sripad Kuncalienker a very soft spoken gentleman who won polling 4478 votes. At that election in 1984 Sidharth Kuncalienker’s dad Dr Sripad Kuncalienker who contested on a Congress ticket polled 39.55% of the votes followed by Teotonio Pereira with 28.25%. Amongst the 13 candidates who were in the fray stood fourth polling a 1002 votes. In those days an Independent rarely crossed the 200 mark. So after contesting against the father, will it now be locking horns with his son three long decades down the road. Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar may be pinning his hopes on Manohar Parrikar but the next MLA of Panaji has to be an effective legislator and not a dummy expecting Manohar Parrikar to run the show. Good governance is about making no false promises and not navigating U turns. There can be no room for corruption and nepotism. The verdict in this ensuing vigorous battle for Panaji will fittingly be delivered by the very judicious voters who silently and surely will make their right choice while also expressing their anger & disgust at the current sordid state of affairs. Together for a better Panaji & the just welfare of all sections of society regardless of caste or creed. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: airesrodrigu...@gmail.com Or airesrodrig...@yahoo.com You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires