Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, finally, had the last laugh in his cold-war with the outgoing Governor Satya Pal Malik, who was shunted to Meghalaya for his outspoken ways and frankness in his dealings.
It wasn’t really a surprise to Goans as Malik’s transfer was expected as soon as he started rubbing shoulders with Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant. It was clear that either Sawant stays or Malik – and the decision was just a few days away.
Known as no-nonsense man, Malik started observing the State administration closely as such he would often express his opinion on various things including mining etc.
The first instance when he attracted bitterness with the CM was when he met the Prime Minister Narendra Modi over mining and getting an assurance on resumption in mining. Following this meeting, SC allowed transportation of royalty paid ore.
This did not go well with Sawant, as the Opposition – mainly Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat, Goa Forward’s Vijai Sardesai and independent Rohan Khaunte used this opportunity to target the Chief Minister, who failed to get an appointment with PM on mining and Mhadei issue.
Not just this, the Opposition started taking every grievance to the Governor.
The worse came last month when Malik in an interview to a local news channel slammed the State government over the COVID19 management.
As if this was not enough, the Governor also gave Sawant a mouthful, when the latter disclosed his plans for of constructing a new Raj Bhavan.
The Governor bluntly rejected the proposal stating there was no need for a new Raj Bhavan in this COVID-crisis wherein the State is facing critical financial crunch.
That was it, well Sawant felt he has had enough of Malik. Within a week or so after the Raj Bhavan snubbing the Governor receives a letter of his transfer.
While Malik was blunt in his dealing and did not fear calling a spade a spade, he had become a popular figure for Goans. He was different and unlike any other Governor, made his presence felt at Raj Bhavan.
For every crisis he would summon the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary for meetings and discuss them unlike others who only enjoyed the luxury of their stay at the panoramic Raj Bhavan.
Finally, Sawant had the last laugh but can he tell us what has he achieved from this transfer?
The Governor Satya Pal Malik was only showing the government and the chief minister its real face.
Instead of making amends, making changes in way of functioning in administration, the government decides to change the Governor.
It is quite clear that Dr Pramod Sawant did not want a Governor but wants a puppet in the Raj Bhavan, who dances to his “Bhivpachi Garaz na” tunes.
Many in the saffron-brigade say the Governor Satya Pal Malik had crossed his line on many occasions belittling the position of the Chief Minister.
However, they need to understand that when the administration has collapsed and there was no governance, do this people want a Governor of his caliber to be a mute spectator?
A mute spectator or a puppet, who calls the BJP to form the government despite it being majority like in 2017. Or the one who allows defections from one party to another overnight without following rules?
In this battle, which lasted for just about nine months or so, Sawant felt he had enough from the Governor but the bottom line is he could have learnt so much from a experienced person like Malik and the chief minister’s attitude now proves he has no inclination to learn but only satisfied settling scores as he has been doing with many others.
