Goa CM: Sudin went back on his word, had to be dropped

PANAJI

: Chief minister Pramod Sawant was forced to drop Ramkrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavalikar from his cabinet after the senior MGP leader and deputy chief minister failed to adhere to the common minimum programme agreed to by the two parties.


During government formation following the death of chief minister Manohar Parrikar, Sawant said Dhavalikar had agreed that his party would not complicate matters in Shiroda by fielding a candidate. It was based on this agreement that Dhavalikar was made deputy chief minister, but the chief minister said MGP went back on its word with party president Pandurang ‘Deepak’ Dhavalikar refusing to step aside.

“We have not forced the split. MGP was a coalition partner when the government was formed. When we held talks (during government formation), there was a condition that MGP will not contest the Shiroda byelection. It was discussed with Union minister Nitin Gadkari,” said Sawant.

The tension between the two allies was there for all to see right from the start when Deepak refused to step aside. Sawant personally held talks with the Dhavalikars but an understanding could not be reached. “We told Sudin that we have to follow the formula that was initially agreed on. We are not the ones who created this split. Azgaonkar and Deepak Pauskar formed a separate group and approached us. They were feeling insecure and were keen on joining BJP. I have no idea what happened between them and MGP,” said Sawant.

Sawant said the two former MGP legislators feared they would be expelled. “Anyone who comes to our party is always welcome. When they approached us, we told them that we will induct them in the party. That’s what happened,” said Sawant.

The chief minister wondered why Dhavalikar, who was deputy chief minister in his cabinet, put the interests of his brother ahead of state and government. “I cannot help him if his brother’s interest is ahead of the government and state. I had a word with Sudin and requested him to follow the common minimum programme. We had an understanding that MGP will not contest in Shiroda. The party should have honoured that commitment,” said Sawant. MGP is now left with just one MLA in the 40-member assembly.