Panaji: Digamber Kamat-led Goa government is
celebrating its three years in power in the backdrop of its
former minister on the run who is wanted by police in
connection with the death of a girl.
As the state government held a formal function to mark
its three `successful` years in the power, Crime Branch
continued searches at various places to trace former tourism
minister Fransisco Mickey Pacheco, who resigned from the
cabinet this Saturday and has been untraceable since then.
Kamat-led government had, however, taken enough
precautions to keep away the shadow of minister-on-run from
this glittery function held in Panaji.
Golden Glow, a book released by Kamat commemorating the
third anniversary, has Pacheco missing in the photograph of
the cabinet ministers.
"The book was printed last night," Kamat told reporters.
Pacheco had resigned on Saturday after he was quizzed by
Crime Branch for his alleged involvement in the death of his
28-year-old friend Nadia Torrado.
NCP legislator Pacheco, is however seen in the
documentary made by Information and Broadcasting Ministry to
commemorate completion of three years.
For the formal function, NCP was represented by their
leader Jose Philip D`Souza.
Throughout the function or during the press conference,
which followed the event, chief minister dodged Pacheco issue
skillfully.
"I will let you know at the right time. I will not have
swearing in ceremony during the night time. Everyone will be
informed well in advance," Kamat said talking informally after
the press briefing about the questions that who will take
place of Pacheco.
Goa has a reputation of holding swearing in ceremonies
during eleventh hour to avoid precipitation of crisis in past.
When persistently asked about ministerial berth left
vacant after Pacheco`s resignation, Kamat said that it will be
for NCP and Congress High Commands in Delhi to decide on the
issue.
"The pre-poll alliance with NCP was decided in Delhi.
It`s for high command to take such decisions," the Chief
Minister said.
Kamat`s dissatisfaction over the happenings in the
current ruling coalition is clearly seen in the booklet
released to mark the occasion.
"There is a feeling that much more could have been
accomplished had there been a totally favourable ambiance,"
the message on the book by Kamat reads.
PTI
