Is Kobita Going for the Top Post?

Is the wife of the Prime Minister of Mauritius Kobita Jugnauth grooming for a top post in government? In Mauritius, the signs come from the concerned people, and the increasing involvement of Kobita says it all.

There are undeniable signs the going is tougher for the MSM. There are also signs the party may be facing instability after the resignation of Mr Nando Bodha.

The formation of the Movement Patriotic by Minister Allan Ganoo is also said to be a sign of growing unease in the alliance. Ganoo may be responding to attacks that he is closing his eyes to accusations of corruption in the government.

He said in interviews he will quit if there were any corrupt practices in the regime he is helping to stay in power.

CHARM OFFENSIVE?

The increasing involvement of Kobita in the public arena and the charm offensive could have many meanings. The party and the government is worried about the rumours of an exodus. Or she might be attempting to portray a softer image of the regime?

The media and the rumour mill were churning stories of a possible departure of Nando Bodha from the party. He eventually quit as a minister and as a party member and has virtually joined the opposition camp.

The loss of Bodha is huge for the MSM. He has his following and was not too unpopular as a Minister. This may impact the voter base of the MSM just like the Alan Ganoo rift with the MMM did.

When Ganoo left the MMM, the party did not look into his power base in his constituency. This allowed him to deliver a resounding victory in the last elections. The same is expected of Bodha but the results will be negative for the MSM.

But what about Kobita? Again, according to the rumour mill, she is grooming for the top post in the government. But we think she might be just be playing the role of the wife who is supporting the husband Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.

If PM Pravind Jugnauth is forced out of the seat because of the numerous scandals hitting his government, there are other leaders in the party who might plug the gap.

There is no way to know if the parties in the coalition will accept a non-elected member as their leader.

BUDGET MOVE

The party is plotting a bold move, says the source with a possible Budget that will awe the nation. At least, they say, it will captivate more than 60% of the voter base.

In the works are plans to increase the old-age pension by 50% and increase the basic salary to RM15,000.

“While the first will definitely get the elderly generation mellowed towards the MSM, the second will attract the low paid employees,” says the source.