Over the past few months, there has been a large hue and cry over Goa CM Manohar Parrikar‘s health issues. (Read here)
But his sudden appearance gained limelight and also sparked controversy over social media. He was photographed on Sunday while inspecting a half-constructed bridge on Mandovi river in Goa. He could be seen walking with support and also had a tube in his nose.
Parrikar is suffering from advanced pancreatic cancer and has been in and out of hospitals for nearly 10 months. He returned from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi on October 14.
According to the officials, he is now recovering from surgery and has made a public appearance first time since October 14.
A senior official from the Goa CMO said that CM traveled around 6km from Porvorim to Merces to inspect the bridge. He also inspected a bridge over Zuari River, near Panjim.
Parrikar got out of his car at the site and examined the progress. He also discussed the work with the officers from Goa Infrastructure Development Corporation and the contracting partner Larsen and Toubro. Two doctors accompanied him during the day.
The photograph drew a barrage of criticism over the social media. The officials, however, clarified that he visited the site as the bridge was his pet project.
Former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted that Parrikar should not be forced to continue working and doing photo ops.
Gaurav Bhatia, BJP spokesperson retaliated by tweeting:
How inhuman to do politics over someone's illness This picture speaks a thousand words, it conveys the strong commitment of Shri @manoharparrikar ji for our country
Feeling of serving the people comes from within but netas like you who eulogize Burhan Wanis will not understand https://t.co/cjoiSCWyUx
— Gaurav Bhatia गौरव भाटिया 🇮🇳 (Modi Ka Parivar) (@gauravbhatiabjp) December 17, 2018