New Delhi: The Indian National Congress sent a 14-member delegation to the Raj Bhavan Goa, asking that they be given the opportunity to prove a majority in the state assembly.
The delegation submitted two memorandums to governor Mridul Sinha’s office, but was not able to meet him as he was away, Indian Express reported.
“Submitted two memorandums and requested that situation to undergo election within 18 months shouldn’t arise. People elected us for 5 years. If present government is not capable to function, we should be given the chance, we’ll do it,” Congress Legislature Party leader Babu Kavelkar said.
Submitted 2 memorandums&requested that situation to undergo election within 18 months shouldn’t arise. People elected us for 5 yrs. If present govt is not capable to function, we should be given the chance, we’ll do it: Chandrakant Kavlekar,Congress Legislature Party Chief #Goa pic.twitter.com/jQgVITudx9
— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2018
“We are the single largest party, should have been given the chance earlier. See how government is functioning today. Government hote huye bhi na ke barabar hai (Even though there is a government, it’s the same as not having one).We have numbers so we’re staking claim. Governor will be here tomorrow. We’ll request him for it,” ANI quoted Kavelkar as saying.
Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar was admitted to AIIMS in New Delhi on Saturday. He has been unwell with a pancreatic ailment for a few months now, but no details have been made public.
The Congress’s move came at a time when the BJP high command has sent three senior leaders – Ram Lal, B.L. Santhosh and Vinay Puranik – to Panaji to meet state party leaders and allies, and take stock of the political situation.
The BJP has 14 seats in the assembly, its allies Goa Forward Party and MGP have three each. Three independents and an MLA from Nationalist Congress Party also support the BJP.
Earlier, BJP leader Ram Lal said the Goa government is stable and no demand has been made for a change in the leadership. He stated this after a meeting with party MLAs, former legislators and core committee members.
He said the BJP’s alliance partners – the Goa Forward Party (GFP), the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and independents – conveyed that they will agree to any political decision taken by the saffron party.
As The Wire has reported, Parrikar’s failing health has triggered an intense power struggle in Goa, but the hunt for an “acceptable” successor is proving to be a real challenge for the BJP, whose continuance in power hinges on the support of a fractious bunch of coalition partners, whose leaders are now eyeing the top post. The fact that there is no real second-rung leadership in the state has only made matters more complicated.
(With PTI inputs)