Goa: After Manohar Parrikar’s Health Worsens, Congress Stakes Claim To Power; BJP Looks For New CM Candidate

Following a worsening of the health of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in recent days, the opposition Congress party staked its claim to form the government in Goa yesterday (Saturday, 16 March), reports TOI. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has started preparing to deal with any eventuality in order to maintain its rule.

The BJP has reportedly already started looking at a new prospective chief ministerial candidate; a meet of the party’s legislators was held to discuss the current situation.

Currently, the BJP rules the state of Goa in a coalition government with the Maharashtrawadid Gomantak Party (MGP) and the Goa Forward Party (GFP), along with independent lawmakers. Six of BJP’s allied lawmakers arrived at Parrikar’s private residence to express solidarity.

On the other hand, the Congress has anticipated a weakening in the BJP’s position. It has already faxed its claim to form the government to the governor, asserting that with 14 MLAs, it is the single-largest party in Goa. The BJP has 13 lawmakers of its own; it was brought down to this number after the demise of its former Mapusa MLA Francis D’Souza.

The Congress letter to the governor also cautions against the implementation of president’s rule in the state, stating that any such attempt would be illegal.