Goa: Congress stakes claim to form government, amid Parrikar's treatment
What's the story
In a letter to Goa Governor Mridula Sinha, Congress has staked claim to form the government alleging the government is not functioning. State Congress along with their 14 MLAs submitted the letter to Raj Bhawan on Monday. This comes days after Manohar Parrikar, the CM of the BJP-governed state, was airlifted to AIIMS for medical treatment. Here's more about this.
Details
No meeting has taken place between Governor and Congress
The Congress has 16 MLAs in the coastal state. Notably, no meeting has happened between the Governor and Congress yet. They have asked the Governor to dismiss the BJP government and invite them to form the government. In the 2017 Assembly elections, BJP got 13 seats and Congress 16. However, by stitching a post-poll alliance with regional parties, BJP returned to power.
Twitter Post
Congress hopes to form government in Goa
Goa Congress, along with its 14 MLAs, have staked claim to form govt in the state. They have submitted a letter before the Raj Bhavan but there has not been a meeting between the Governor and them. Congress party has 16 MLAs in the state. pic.twitter.com/P1bqdwT5oG
— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2018
Looking back
After Karnataka, Congress wanted model to be repeated in Goa
This is not the first time Goa Congress has staked claim to form the government. In Karnataka, despite Congress and JD(S) forming a post-poll alliance, governor Vajubhai Vala had invited BJP, the single largest party, to form the government. Congress said it was the single largest part in Goa (17/40) and it should be given a chance. But the plan didn't see an end.
Quote
Congress ready to provide stable government, says leader
Speaking about Congress's plans AICC Goa in-charge A Chella Kumar said, "We are on a wait-and-watch mode. We are talking to some local parties and MLAs who have reached out to us. The Congress is ready to provide a stable alternative government."
Health
Meanwhile, here's the update about Parrikar's health
Since his return from the US earlier this month, Parrikar hasn't attended office. Last week, he called BJP President Amit Shah to tell about his condition and inability to continue as the CM. "Shah told him to continue as the CM until further instructions," a BJP leader in the know said. Meanwhile, allies Vijai Sardesai and Sudin Dhavalikar told media Parrikar was fine.
Do you know?
Will Congress form a government in Goa?
With 16 MLAs, Congress is just five short of the halfway mark. Chella Kumar said the party was united and rumors that BJP reached out to some Congress MLAs, as a precautionary measure, were untrue. He accused BJP camp of spreading lies.