Amit Shah steps in to stabilise Goa government, as Congress stakes claim

BJP Chief Amit Shah has stepped in to stabilise Manohar Parrikar led BJP government in Goa as Congress party shown its interest to form a government after Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is hospitalised.

According to the report, Amit Shah called up the Goa Forward Party leader, Vijay Sardesai, a minister in the BJP-led government and informed him about a team of observers, he was sending to Goa to take stock of the situation.

It was Mr Parrikar, who “suddenly,” asked Mr Dhavalikar of ally Maharashtra Gomantak Party (MGP) to take over as his deputy, and left other allies like Mr Sardesai upset, news agency IANS has said quoting sources. 

Sardesai reportedly appreciated the prompt action taken by the BJP chief. There were rumours that Maharashtra Gomantak Party (MGP) leader and PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalkar would be given a charge of CM after merging his party with the BJP.  Sardesai, with three MLAs, is said to have for long nourished CM ambitions.

Both Sardesai’s GFP and Dhavalikar’s MGP have three MLAs each in the Goa Assembly. Whereas, Congress is the biggest single party with 16 MLAs. The Bharatiya Janata Party has 14 MLAs in 40 members house.

According to the report, six lawmakers are reportedly supporting the BJP – three of the Goa Forward Party and three independents – have emerged as a front that could decide the future of the ruling coalition.

After last year Goa election, the BJP cobbled together a coalition with Goan parties and formed a government, outmanoeuvring the Congress in the number game. After taking supports from Goa Forward Party, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and three independents BJP formed a government in Goa.

Also read: Congress stakes claim to form a government in Goa, in Manohar Parrikar’s absence