Cong stakes claim in Goa, says BJP govt in minority

Panaji, March 16

The Congress today staked claim to form the government in Goa claiming that the Manohar Parrikar dispensation has lost its majority in the Assembly, following the demise of BJP MLA Francis D’Souza.

In a letter to Governor Mridula Sinha, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Chandrakant Kavlekar also demanded dismissal of the BJP-led dispensation.

The strength of the Goa Assembly has reduced from 40 to 37 after the death of D’Souza and resignation of two MLAs — Subhash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte.

While the Congress currently has 14 MLAs in the 40-member Assembly, down from 16 after Sopte and Shirodkar left it to join the BJP, the latter has 13 MLAs.

Three MLAs each of the Goa Forward Party and MGP, an Independent and the lone NCP legislator are supporting the BJP.

Kavlekar said, “Consequent upon the sad demise of Francis D’Souza, the incumbent BJP-led state government has lost the strength of the House...  Also, we anticipate that numbers of the BJP may further dwindle.”

Bypolls to the three seats are to be held along with the LS polls on April 23. — PTI

Parrikar stable: CMO

The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) was forced to issue a statement on Saturday that the health of Manohar Parrikar, who is being treated for advanced pancreatic cancer, is “stable”, after media reports said his health condition had worsened. IANS