Rane’s authority crumbles: When arrogance meets its Master. – By Nisser Dias

Vishwajit Rane, Goa’s Health Minister, has been dealt a humiliating blow; not only by the people, medical fraternity and Opposition, but also by his own Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant. In a rare and decisive move, Sawant overruled Rane’s dramatic suspension of Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar, Chief Medical Officer at GMC’s Casualty department, within a mere 24 hours.

The self-styled strongman of Goa’s health ministry had boasted of a two-year suspension. But when the dust settled, his bravado evaporated faster than the ink on the suspension order. What was meant to be a demonstration of power ended up as a spectacular self-goal, exposing Rane’s inflated ego and authoritarian impulse. After all the tough talk no apologies, no reconsiderations — Rane was forced to eat humble pie. He apologized to Dr. Kuttikar and his family. But let’s be clear: his apology wasn’t born from remorse. It was wrenched out of him by a tide of public outrage and stiff resistance from the medical fraternity. This was no change of heart — he was forced to retreat, an act of political survival, not contrition.

Is this the mark of a leader or the confession of a coward?

If Rane retains even a shred of self-respect, the only honourable path left is resignation. But that would require courage — something he has consistently failed to show. He’s good at throwing his weight around against government employees, but he folds like a house of cards when faced with the people of Goa or the authority of the Chief Minister in this particular case. Let’s not forget — this isn’t the first time Vishwajit Rane has backed down under public pressure. Flashback to 2019: Rane bulldozed a plan to bring an IIT to Shel-Melauli, grabbing 10 lakh square meters of land in his own constituency. When locals rose in protest, he unleashed police force. But the people didn’t flinch. Rane, seeing his plan fall apart, made a U-turn and claimed, “I am with the public.”

Sounds familiar?

The same script repeated with Pernem’s draft zoning plan — an outrageous attempt to turn 21% of the region’s green cover into concrete in the name of “development.” Again, the people stood up. Again, Rane ran. And again, he mouthed the same tired line: “I am with the public.”

Now, in a fresh episode of political theatre, he says he is “with the patients.” Today, he has apologized to Dr. Kuttikar. Tomorrow, he may issue another suspension. This isn’t leadership. It’s opportunism wearing the mask of public service.

But revoking the doctor’s suspension is just the surface. The deeper issue is the absolute unsuitability of Vishwajit Rane to continue holding the health portfolio — or any ministry, for that matter. His track record screams of overreach, arrogance, and repeated policy fiascos.

So why isn’t Chief Minister Pramod Sawant sacking him?

Because he can’t. Sawant, a CM in title but not in authority, has outsourced real power to Delhi. Everyone in Goa knows this. Despite holding constitutional discretion to drop ministers, Sawant is handcuffed by political compulsions and central diktats. He didn’t remove Cultural Minister Govind Gaude despite public allegations of corruption. Can he even dream of removing Rane? Highly unlikely.

What makes this more farcical is the open, simmering cold war between the two. Rane has never hidden his ambition to occupy the Chief Minister’s chair. At every turn, he attempts to undercut Sawant — painting him as weak, ineffective, and out of touch.

But in this latest episode, it’s Sawant who played the masterstroke. By reversing Rane’s rash suspension order, he not only reined in an unruly minister but also exposed the hollowness behind Rane’s chest-thumping.

This isn’t just a political clash. It’s a public unmasking. Vishwajit Rane, once swaggering in authority, now stands stripped — not just of power, but of credibility.

Let this be a lesson to every leader who mistakes arrogance for strength and intimidation for governance: Power is not about ordering suspensions — it’s about earning respect.

And that, Minister Rane, is something you’ve lost.