BJP MLA slams common minimum programme

Cracks are already visible in the unnatural alliance formed in Goa to establish a government after the March 11 results of the assembly elections. Within 24 hours of the declaration of the common minimum programme, senior BJP MLA and deputy speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly, Michael Lobo has openly expressed his displeasure over the document.

"We are not comfortable with this programme. There is little BJP agenda in it. We agree that a coalition government has limitations, but we do not feel comfortable," he said.

Michael Lobo was instrumental in forming the government by bringing Goa Forward leader Vijai Sardesai on board. "If I have to do it again, I would ask Vijai to join the BJP. This alliance business is tricky," he said when asked if he would do the same again.

He also criticised the casino policy mentioned in the common minimum programme. "We still say we would try to shift casinos in river Mandovi to the deep sea. And we all know that's not going to happen. Because these vessels are not seaworthy. The only solution is to give them time and bring them onshore," he punched holes in the CMP that promises to shift casinos to the sea.

The common minimum programme also reverses many policy decisions taken by the earlier BJP-led government. Michael was unhappy with such massive policy shifts. "We have given clearances for certain investments. Our development plans for certain talukas have been notified. Now we want to reverse them. How will investors trust us with such flip-flops?" he questioned.

The common minimum programme released by the government has given maximum preference to the manifesto points of its allies who fought the election on an anti-BJP plank.