Sri Manohar Parrikar - from what I read and hear.

I entered the Union Territory of  Goa, Diu and Daman in 1982. I can recollect about
eight chief ministers who ruled Goa since then. Sri Pratap Singh Rane and 
Sri Manohar Parrikar are the only two names which were recognised and which 
commanded respect even out of Goa. My statement is not to be taken as 
authoritative. It is based on reports in magazines and newspapers and the 
reactions of friends from other states to the mention of the names of our 
various chief ministers. Between the two, Sri Parrikar is more recognised 
outside both as the CM of Goa and the Union Defence Minister and he has 
always elicited positive comments and reactions.

Reactions from friends and press with in Goa is not as generous. While nobody 
denies his intelligence, capabilities of administration and knowledge and hold of
the matters of the state, some doubts have been raised about his honesty and
integrity. Friends, please don’t pounce on me. My writing is just the reflection of
what I read and heard. His U turns in various matters have received considerable
firing. Mining and Casinoes are the two which I can mention and some accuse 
him of being a beneficiary of both.

The government officials who have faced him in connection with their duty have 
said that he is always well informed about the departments and has the facts and
figures ready in mind. They speak about him with fear, respect and awe! I don’t
know the real Parrikar. Some say that he could be arrogant and dictatorial.
I assume he is somewhere in between all these and my basic respect towards 
him is born out of the fact that he has been intelligent enough to claim a seat in
IIT and from his handling of the state finances post the mining scam. I also 
appreciated the fact that he declared to bring down the petrol prices if elected, 
during elections before his first time CM role and the  the first thing he did after 
getting elected was bringing it down by a whopping ten rupees. In fact, it was 
done the very next day!

My only interaction with him, not directly but through his office, was in connection 
with a Goan - Non Goan issue which could have caused some personal distress.
I appreciated the prompt responses from his office to what I had to say and his
decision was based entirely on the merits of the issue. It was in our favour and
was cleared without delay. I really was surprised to get a call from the CM’s office -
from one of the personal secretaries -  within three days of our submission,
to hear what we had to say. It was a very efficient office.

I feel bad to note that he has to travel to US once again for treatment. A long
journey by air, in his present state, is certainly an ordeal by itself. And this
means that whatever treatment he is receiving, which again is another ordeal, 
is not producing expected results. The official statement differs from what
I have written but my gut feeling says this.

I understand from social media - again not substantiated - that he will be handing
over charge to Sri Sudin Dhavalikar. I think that is a sensible move. I do not 
understand the compulsions of politics but by continuing as CM of Goa in his 
present state, Sri Parrikar would have been cruel to himself and it would have
been an injustice to the state of Goa. I wish Sri Parrikar an early recovery and
hope he will be back to his dashing self soon.