PANAJI
As widely speculated, three MLAs from the Opposition in Goa have cross voted in favour of the BJP-led NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu.
Political circles are rife with speculation as to the identity of the three MLAs but the Opposition Congress, which had been hit by symptoms of an internal mutiny over the last fortnight, will be a tad relieved that the figure of renegades is restricted to three.
As a matter of public posturing, the beleaguered party, unconvincingly though, is taking the stand that none of its 11 legislators cross-voted.
It's deputy leader of the legislative wing, Sankalp Amonkar, said: "We are 11 and the votes polled by opposition candidate are 12. So there is no room for suspecting Congress MLAs cross voted."
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant meanwhile said in a tweet: "NDA's Strength in Goa Assembly: 25. Votes Polled by Smt Droupadi Murmu: 28. I thank all MLAs & MPs from Goa who have given an overwhelming mandate in support of NDA's Presidential candidate & for imbibing PM @narendramodi ji's vision of New India".
