Panaji: Expressing concern over Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s health, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar on Friday said being pushed to work, especially during a serious illness, is a suicidal move, and urged the BJP to replace him for the moment.
Mr. Chodankar accused the BJP of forcing work on the ailing CM, and creating an era of sympathy politics. “The administration in Goa has become sick because of Mr. Parrikar’s prolonged illness,” he said at a press conference.
“The Congress, and those who are close to him feel that he is ruining his health. The BJP is being irresponsible as regards Mr. Parrikar’s health,” Mr. Chodankar said.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Congress leader said keeping aside the politics, he would advise him to focus on health and resume work only when he is fit. “The CM himself has said that those who have cold need not come too close to him. This indicates all is not well with him, and there are still medical restrictions.” Mr. Chodankar wondered if Prime Minister Narendra Modi can temporarily divest Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s portfolio to another minister when he was undergoing medical treatment recently, why should Goa suffer because of a CM who is not fully fit.
“If Mr. Parrikar had fallen ill when he was Defence Minister and had to go abroad for treatment, would Mr. Modi allow him to continue his duty? If the PM can appoint a stand-in Finance Minister, why should Goa be made to suffer with an ill person in-charge?” Mr. Chodankar said.