As Goa CM Parrikar’s Health Worsens, BJP Plans ‘Transit Phase’
Amid Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's deteriorating health, the BJP on Sunday, 17 March said it is "already thinking on a political transit phase" even as the party asserted that the state government was "stable".
Parrikar’s health deteriorated on Saturday, 16 March sparking hectic political activities across parties in the coastal state. He is suffering from a pancreatic ailment,
MLAs and core committee members of Goa BJP, on Saturday met to discuss the political situation.
The Congress party on Saturday, 16 March, staked claim to form the government in Goa, saying that the incumbent BJP-led state government, under Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, has lost the strength of the House.
- The strength of Goa Assembly has reduced from 40 to 37 after the death of one MLA and resignation of two others
- The Congress currently has 14 MLAs, after two of its MLAs joined the BJP,
- The BJP has 13 MLAs in the state and has formed government with the support of three MLAs each of the Goa Forward Party, MGP and an Independent one
Cong Leader and Former Goa CM Digambar Kamat Leaves for Delhi Amid Rumours of Joining BJP
Senior Congress leader Digambar Kamat left for New Delhi on Sunday, amid speculation that he may join the ruling BJP, though the former chief minister denied any such move.
Speculations were rife that Kamat may be inducted into the BJP and given a major position in the state government, considering Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's deteriorating health.
Kamat was second in command in the BJP till 2005 when he switched over to the Congress.
The senior Congress leader, who held reigns of the state from 2007 to 2012, left for Delhi on Sunday. "I am leaving for Delhi on a business trip. It is purely personal," Kamat said before boarding the flight to Delhi from the Goa airport.
Goa BJP MLAs Told Not to Leave State: Report
A BJP leader, on condition of anonymity, told PTI that all party MLAs have been asked not to leave the state.
"It was specifically told to all the MLAs (in meeting on Saturday) that we should not leave the state," he said.
"Already Thinking Of a Political Transit Phase," Says Goa BJP
Amid Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's deteriorating health, the BJP on Sunday said it is "already thinking on Goa political transit phase" even as the party asserted that the state government was "stable" and warned people against rumours.
"Our BJP leadership in Delhi and Goa are very strong, stable and are already thinking on Goa political transit phase," BJP's state media coordinator Sandesh Sadhale said in a statement.
"We will come out of all the things with greater success. Do not believe in any rumours or any news being spread via social media," he added.
Party Should Take Some Decision: Former Goa Minister
Former Goa Minister Dayanand Madrekar told ANI that the party needs to take a decision over change in the state leadership.
“Had Manohar Parrikar been fit, there wouldn't have been a need to change the leader but his health is very critical now, deteriorating day after day. Party should take some decision,” he said.
Congress Stakes Claim in Goa, BJP Holds Emergency Meeting
After the Congress had dispatched a letter to Governor Mridula Sinha, to stake claim to form the government, the BJP had swung into action to discuss its next course of action.
“Parrikar ji has been quite unwell since last night. Our doctors are keeping close watch. Aur aise nahi bol pa rahe ki woh theek ho jayenge. Isliye emergency meeting rakha tha ki aagey strategy kya honi chahiye (Doctors are unable to tell us if he will get better. So an emergency was called to discuss the strategy to go forward).”Deputy Speaker and BJP leader Michael Lobo to The Indian Express