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More interestingly, Maharaj is also tipped to replace Kamla Persad-Bissessar
as Opposition Leader, once he secures the Couva North seat, making
it the second time in her political career she has been sidelined
by the former Couva South MP.
In 1995, when the UNC and NAR formed the Government, Kamla Persad-Bissessar
became the first woman Attorney General of the twin-island Republic,
but after a few short weeks in the position, she was replaced by
Maharaj.
“Unfortunately, the poor woman has lost control of her destiny,
although now as Opposition Leader, she holds all the power and can
forge her own path,” the insider stated.
“History will not be kind to her, I fear.
“I understand she is very upset, but she is going to toe the
line, when she would be better served making peace with the political
leader as they (she and Winston Dookeran) can breathe new life into
this troubled political party.
“Instead, we are going to have the main posts held by some
of the most questionable individuals the politics of Trinidad and
Tobago has ever created.
“What hope does the party have with Ramesh and Warner calling
the shots and Panday in the background?”
For years, after the collapse of the United National Congress (UNC)
Government in 2001, former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday heaped scorn
on his three renegade MPs, Trevor Sudama, Ralph Maraj and Maharaj,
for bringing down his administration after the 2001 General Election
ended 18-18, and amid the constitutional gridlock, President ANR
Robinson selected Patrick Manning as the Prime Minister.
On every UNC political platform, Panday spat at his three former
political allies, labelling Maharaj a “Judas” for his
act of betrayal.
Not to be outdone, Maharaj allegedly leaked critical information
about Panday.
A series of corruption investigations by local law enforcement against
the former Prime Minister later took place and the State was able
to lay three charges against Panday for submitting false declarations
before the Integrity Commission by not including a London bank account
held jointly with his wife, Oma Panday.
Chief Magistrate Sherman McNicolls found Panday guilty on all three
charges on Monday and sentenced him to two years hard labour on
each charge; he was also ordered to repay $1.6 million.
Meanwhile, the informant confided that Dookeran and five other UNC
MPS are contemplating resigning en masse, thereby, forcing the nation
into a mini General Election. |
