Panaji
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to form the next government in the State with Manohar Parrikar as the Chief Minister, with support from Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Goa Forward Party (GFP) and two independents “ Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte and Priol MLA Govind Gaude.
Even though the BJP has not emerged as the single largest party in the recently held State Legislative Assembly polls, with support of three MLAs of MGP, three of GFP and two independents their total strength has increased to 21.
The Party submitted the letter of intent to the Governor staking its claim to form the government, following which the Governor appointed Parrikar as the Chief Minister and has asked him prove majority on the Floor of the House. Sources informed that the swearing-in ceremony of the new government is likely to be held on Tuesday.
The letters of support given by MGP, GFP and two independent MLAs state that they are ready to support the BJP to form the government ‘subject to Manohar Parrikar being made the chief minister of the State’. Sources however informed that BJP has worked out a formula wherein in a 12-minister cabinet, three berths would be given to GFP, two to MGP, and one each to the two independents. Sources also informed that Calangute MLA Michael Lobo convinced Vijai Sardesai to support BJP to form the governmnt.
After several meetings with MGP, GFP and independents for over 16 hours, formally announcing the decision at a press conference, Union Minister and BJP’s Goa election in-charge Nitin Gadkari said, “None of the parties got majority in the State. I reached Goa last night and held several meetings till today evening. During the discussions, MGP and GFP told me that they would extend support to BJP if Manohar Parrikar comes to Goa as the next chief minister. This demand was conveyed to the Prime Minister and Party President, stating that even the MLAs have demanded that if Goa has to get a stable government and development, Parrikar should be the CM. Later, the Parliamentary Board resolved to grant permission to make Parrikar as Goa CM. All 21 MLA then submitted a letter staking claim to form the government.”
Speaking further, he said, “He is the defence minister. As per the constitution, he has to resign as the defence minister before he is sworn in as the chief minister. He has still not tendered his resignation. Once we receive Governor’s invitation to form the new government we will take call on when the formal swearing in ceremony is to be held.”
He also informed that all parties will decide on a common development agenda for Goa to proper and provide a stable government to Goa.
“I thank everyone who have supported us especially MGP for taking a wise decision. We fought elections separately. But these things happen. I also thank Vijai Sardesai as despite having reservations he extended support to us for the development of the State”, said Gadkari.
When asked about Congress’ allegations on BJP, Gadkari said, “If they had the mandate they should not have delayed meeting the governor. If they had the majority, they had the right to establish government. Ground reality is that if GFP and MGP had to support them, they could have secured majority. They could not take other parties together and form the government so to hide their failures they are making baseless allegations against us. Congress should self-introspect, instead of criticising us.”
When asked if anything has been promised to the parties for extending support to BJP, he said, “It is the right of the CM. we discussed about various issues and developmental concerned the State.”
When asked if there was no preference for Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza to elevate as the CM, he said, “It is not the question of Dy CM. The supporting parties demanded that Parrikar should be the CM for extending the support. We also asked them the leader of preference within BJP. But they wanted Parrikar.”
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said, “I thank Gadkari for coming to Goa and solving the entire matter within about 16 hours. That itself is a record as it includes night time also. It is an occasion that I am coming back after two and a half years. One thing I can promise to the State and my colleagues that this is a mandate given by the people. Though we fell short of majority, together we have completed the magic figure of 21. There is a possibility of one or two more MLAs too. But at this stage we could get 21 together. There is no much time as the budget exercise has to begin immediately.”
