Rajesh Bhagwan: "It is the activists who legitimize our presence in the government"

In light of Paul Bérenger's resignation from the position of Deputy Prime Minister, the parliamentarians and ministers of the MMM held a press conference on Friday evening to express their commitment to remaining in government on behalf of the activists.

On a night of crisis, the ministers and MPs of the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM) who remain in government chose to speak out. Gathered at the party's headquarters in Port-Louis, they held a press conference on the evening of Friday, March 20, to clarify their stance. Except for Joanna Bérenger, whose position remains unclear, they unanimously declared their intention to stay in government until a formal decision is reached by the party's leadership. This comes despite the announcement that morning of their leader Paul Bérenger's resignation as Deputy Prime Minister.

Leading the press conference, Rajesh Bhagwan set the tone from the start. "What we are experiencing within the MMM is a time of great sadness for the activists," he stated. He reminded that the public had witnessed the evolution of the situation leading up to Paul Bérenger's press conference on Wednesday, March 18, following the central committee meeting. "Today it is sad that activists from all corners of the island see that Paul Bérenger, the leader of the MMM, acknowledges that militants are upset, understands their frustrations, and recognizes why they want the MMM to remain in government."

According to Rajesh Bhagwan, the MMM parliamentarians were elected due to the votes, courage, hard work, and sacrifices of the activists. After 20 years in opposition, they now follow the path taken and wish to see the program presented to the public implemented within the Alliance of Change. "We are not tied to our positions as some may suggest; we are motivated by the activists," he emphasized, dismissing any accusations of personal interest. He stated that it is the activists who legitimize their presence in government. However, he lamented their leader's decision: "It is sad because Paul Bérenger is abandoning the MMM and its activists. He is abandoning the transformations that the activists are bringing. " Nevertheless, Rajesh Bhagwan assured that work would continue even without Paul Bérenger and Joanna Bérenger. "Our structures are still intact," he affirmed.

Ajay Gunness also expressed disappointment over Paul Bérenger's indecisiveness, who has announced his resignation multiple times. He deemed unprecedented what occurred on Wednesday, March 18, when the MMM's central committee, by a large majority, urged the party to remain in government — only for Paul Bérenger to later indicate that his decision and that of the committee were separate matters. "For me, Paul Bérenger does not follow the committee's directives," he asserted.

He emphasized that the alliance between the PTr, the MMM, the ND, and the ReA remains intact, and that what has changed is merely Paul Bérenger's personal choice to resign as Deputy Prime Minister. "If the role of the MMM is to leave the government after joining it, sorry, I don't see myself in this kind of MMM," he added.

Ajay Gunness also stated that Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam had guaranteed that MMM affiliates in parastatal bodies would remain in their positions. He finally announced that MMM MPs would go out to meet activists in regional committees to explain the situation.

In the same vein, Aadil Ameer Mea announced that after the BP meeting on Monday, March 23, he would submit a motion for a CC meeting on Wednesday, March 25. The goal is to organize a secret ballot to officially determine whether the MMM should remain in government and thereby legitimize the actions of the parliamentarians.

Arianne Navarre-Marie expressed regret that a man who claims to be a democrat like Paul Bérenger could disregard a decision made by a large majority of the central committee. Drawing on her experience from government crises in 1983, 1993, and 1997, she maintained that each time, the wishes of the activists had been respected. She also condemned the attacks faced by those who chose to stay. "Many activists voted for us, and the general population voted for change, for this government to work to change things, and that is what we are doing," she stated, emphasizing that work can only be done from within the government, with the support of a listening Prime Minister.

Deven Nagalingum, Paul Bérenger's running mate in constituency No. 19, also expressed his surprise at his colleague's decision. "Such a blow leaves everyone orphaned; I don't believe it was in our interest. Comrade Paul should have considered what he was doing," he said. Despite his sadness, he expressed his intention to rebound and continue his work as Minister of Youth and Sports, confident that time will vindicate them.

Finally, Reza Uteem, president of the MMM, concluded the speeches. Acknowledging Paul Bérenger's stature — "he is the leader of the MMM, and he has accomplished and contributed much to Mauritius, and he still has much to contribute" — he nonetheless justified the decision to remain in government. He stated that MMM members consulted regional committees before making their decision, and that they had requested to stay, despite Paul Bérenger's contrary position.

In light of the looming economic crisis and tensions in the Middle East, Reza Uteem called for collective responsibility. "Now is not the time to shy away from our responsibilities and sit in opposition," he said, believing that the country needs the MMM and the skills of its elected deputies to implement the government program. "Paul Bérenger has chosen not to take on these responsibilities," he concluded.

At the time of questions

Was the revocation of Paul Bérenger as leader requested?
"No, that's not on the agenda. We haven't discussed that," Rajesh Bhagwan affirmed. What will be on the discussion table is Aadil Ameer Mea's motion at the political bureau meeting regarding whether the MMM will remain in government, Ajay Gunness added.

What will be the stance of the MMM parliamentarians regarding Paul Bérenger?
"Paul Bérenger knows that 90% of the members are against him," Rajesh Bhagwan stated, who also questioned whether Paul Bérenger has become disconnected from reality and is unaware of the problems facing the population. For Ajay Gunness, Paul Bérenger did not respect the voice of the activists in the central committee. Rajesh Bhagwan reminded that it is the activists who enabled him to become Deputy Prime Minister. "Today he turns his back and leaves; how can that be justified?" he wondered.

Who will replace Paul Bérenger as Deputy Prime Minister?
It is the prerogative of the Prime Minister. "This is not our priority at the moment. We are not putting pressure on him; the Prime Minister has experience, he respects the MMM, and we respect him," Rajesh Bhagwan stated.

Did Paul Bérenger warn that he was going to resign?
"No, we were not informed. We were in the Cabinet meeting at the time of his press conference. It was only afterwards that we learned of the news," the press conference organizers stated.

Who is this common friend mentioned by Paul Bérenger who pushed him to resign as Deputy Prime Minister?
Paul Bérenger should have informed the party's leadership. "At no time did the Prime Minister tell Paul Bérenger to resign," Reza Uteem asserted, stating that Paul Bérenger showed a lack of consideration for party members, especially the leadership, by not informing them of his resignation decision.

According to Rajesh Bhagwan, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has been extremely patient despite all of Paul Bérenger's statements and criticisms of the government. "In the past, I have seen ministers make statements, even before him, arriving at his door with a paper. For him, the Prime Minister has been patient and has never asked Paul Bérenger to resign."

Did Paul Bérenger speak of corruption within the MMM?
"We challenge him to come and name names. Paul Bérenger is used to saying he puts out challenges, we too challenge him: come and name those corrupt individuals he is talking about. He cannot just tarnish people without proof; that's easy to do," Ajay Gunness emphasized.

After the stress that Paul Bérenger has placed on the population, Rajesh Bhagwan wished him good luck for the future.