Committee runs Goa Govt as BJP beset with serious medical emergencies

The Bharatiya Janata Party in Goa is struggling with serious medical emergencies affecting its MLAs, ever since the time it formed the state government in alliance with the Goa Forward Party, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and independents in 2017.

Four legislators including two ministers and Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar have fallen ill. Three of them are currently admitted in hospitals and the fourth is recuperating at home.

Urban Development Minister and BJP’s senior leader Francis D’Souza was the first to fall ill. He had to undergo a kidney transplant. He is presently in Portugal for treatment. D’Souza’s failing health was evident when he had to be escorted to the floor of the House during the Budget Session of the legislative assembly in February this year.

The BJP-led government faced the biggest blow when Parrikar was diagnosed with a pancreatic ailment in February, shortly before the Budget Session. His illness forced the government to curtail the session. Parrikar is currently hospitalised in the USA with no set date for his return. Parrikar, however, has apparently been clearing files from the US. Parrikar has also formed a three-member Cabinet Advisory Committee which continues to advise the state government in his absence, and given charge to his secretary to handle Goa’s affairs.

Another BJP legislator who suddenly fell ill was Vasco legislator Carlos Almeida. He suffered a mild brain stroke. Almeida was first shifted to Manipal Hospital in Dona Paula and later taken to Kerala.

Now the latest BJP minister to fall ill is Power Minister Pandurang Madkaikar, who suffered a brain stroke and is currently under observation in a Mumbai hospital after undergoing a surgery.