The ongoing political carnival in Goa is far from over. The Congress on Monday staked claim to form government in Goa citing 'collapse' of administration.
The impasse in Goa with CM Manohar Parrikar in hospital due to a pancreatic ailment is only becoming acute as days go by. The Congress, which has 16 members in the 40-member Goa Assembly, submitted a memorandum to Governor Mridula Sinha. "We urged her not to dissolve the Assembly and instead invite the Congress to form the government," said Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavlekar.
However, the ruling BJP maintained that the party-led alliance is stable. The BJP with its 14 members has support from three legislators each from the Maharashtravadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Goa Forward Party (GFP) and three Independents.
State BJP unit chief Vinay Tendulkar said that the Congress does not have enough numbers. "The BJP does have numbers. All our supporting parties and Independents have full faith in Parrikar's leadership," Tendulkar said. "They have already made their representation to the BJP general secretary and central observers Ram Lal, reiterating their support to Parrikar and BJP," Tendulkar told DNA.
He asserted that the BJP will take a call to appoint someone only after Parrikar gives a go ahead. "Parrikar will continue to be CM. Our government is strong and stable," he asserted.
However, Kavlekar defended his party's move. "The Congress has submitted two memorandums and requested the Governor that situation to undergo election within 18 months shouldn't arise. The people have elected us for five years. If the present govt is not capable of functioning, we should be given a chance," said Kavlekar. The Congress has the support of lone Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) member. Kavlekar was confident that Congress will be in a position to mobilise necessary support to form the government.
GFP founder Vijai Sardesai said that his party is behind Parrikar and BJP like a solid rock. "The GFP will continue to support the BJP-led government. I have created the government. It is my baby and don't want to destabilise it. If the BJP decides to appoint somebody else as CM then such an arrangement should not be temporary but permanent," he added.
MGP state unit president Deepak Dhavlikar ruled out possibility of extending support to Congress. "In Parrikar's absence, the CM charge should be handed over to a senior most minister. There has been an impact on the administration in the last seven months," he said.
Power Struggle
- 14 BJP with 14 members is struggling to retain power in Goa
- 3 Independents who are currently supporting BJP will play a crucial role
- BJP needs Goa Forward Party founder Vijai Sardesai and his two legislators to stay afloat
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