Goa crisis: Civil society demands CM Parrikar’s resignation, gives 48-hour ultimatum

Members of the civil society supported by political parties such as Congress, Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have demanded resignation of the ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.

Asking for the “restoration of governance” in Goa, members of the civil society marched towards CM Parrikar’s residence on Tuesday, however they were stopped 3000 meters from CMs residence.

Led by the Congress, members of the civil society have sought an appointment with the CM also.

“A ten member delegation will meet the Chief Minister to ascertain his factual health condition and if  he is unwell, will demand his resignation, as there is a total collapse of law and order and administration in state,” reads a letter written by advocate Aires Rodrigues to the Chief Secretary of Goa.

The civil society march coincided with the hunger strike being observed by RTI activist Rajan Ghate at Azad Maidan demanding Parrikar’s resignation.

“They (members of the civil society) have given an ultimatum of 48 hours to the CM. If he does not meet members of the civil society, they will launch a state-wide protest against BJP government,” said a senior Congress leader who participated in the protest-march.

Due to the absence of a full-time chief minister, the administration in the state was in disarray, alleged a member of the civil society.

Interestingly, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), a BJP ally in Goa, has also participated in the protest-march and demanded Parrikar’s resignation. Going a step forward, the party had on Sunday, November 18, given an ultimatum to the BJP, saying that the charge of the chief minister’s post be given to Sudin Dhavalikar.

Dhavalikar is the second-most senior minister in Goa cabinet after Parrikar. The party also warned that it would contest the Lok Sabha polls and Assembly by-elections in the state against BJP candidates if the demand was not met.