Major relief for BJP, Parrikar to be sworn in as Goa CM today, floor test on Thursday

Amid the ongoing tussle between Congress and BJP over government formation in Goa, the Supreme Court has ordered a floor test on Thursday after hearing a petition challenging Manohar Parrikar as Chief Minister.

The court also refused to stay the swearing-in of Manohar Parrikar as CM, and disposed the petition saying, all issues raised in it can be resolved by simple direction of holding floor test.

A bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice J S Kehar was hearing a petition filed by Goa CLP leader Chandrakant Kavlekar who had sought a stay on the swearing-in of Parrikar as Goa chief minister.

Observing that the numbers should determine the single largest party, the Supreme Court asked the Congress party where are the numbers.

The court also said that the Congress has failed to come out with affidavits of MGP and Goa Forward Party MLAs indicating support to it. It also asked why the Congress did not approach the Goa Governor over government formation.

Meanwhile, the apex court has directed that assembly session will be called at 11:00 am on Thursday and only business of the House will be the holding of floor test after swearing in of the members.

The court also took on record Governors's letter showing support of 3 members of MGP, 3 of GFP and 2 independents to BJP taking its strength to 21 in House of 40.

In the 40-member House in Goa, the Congress has 17 MLAs, followed by the BJP with 13, the MGP (3), the GFP (3), the NCP (1) and Independents (3). 

Parrikar had on Monday submitted evidence before Governor.