Goa’s BJP-led government wins floor test with support from 22 legislators

Congress state leader Kavlekar had moved the SC on Sunday challenging the Governor’s decision to invite the BJP party to form the government.

A special Assembly session was convened for the objective. The matter has worldwide diplomatic ramifications, and the Opposition will love to corner the government on this.

BJP has 13 MLAs and is being supported by three independents.

8 am IST: Three hours to go, and the BJP look confident when it comes to proving its numbers in the Assembly.

Kishor, who masterminded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s successful 2014 Lok Sabha campaign and helped Nitish Kumar make a stunning return as Chief Minister of Bihar, was roped in by the Congress to revive its fortunes in Uttar Pradesh.

Going further in the past, Bhajan Lal, an infamous Haryana leader, better known for his ability to gain support was rewarded with the Chief Ministerial berth by Indira Gandhi in 1980 for shepherding 40 Janata MLAs to Congress (I) camp.

He had resigned as the Defence Minister to take over the new role as Goa Chief Minister.

Often there has been a question raised about Governors acting as “mere puppets” on the instructions of the Central government.

Addressing a press conference late on Wednesday evening, AICC secretary Girish Chodankar alleged that the BJP’s general secretary in Goa, Sadanand Shet Tanavde “knew the details of the horse-trading and pay-offs made to MLAs”. The coalition government also won the support of NCP MLA Churchill Alemao.

He also added that a common minimum program will be charted out among BJP and its supporting parties.

BJP president Amit Shah, other national leaders, Assam Chief Minister S. Sonowal, Assam Finance Minister Hemanta Biswa Sarma and others are expected to be present at the swearing in ceremony. But, as you could see people came and voluntarily supported us.

As a leader, he said, he trusts regional party leaders and wants to give them more freedom. The defeat of Congress in Goa is because of him.

■ 11am: A section of Congress MLAs in Goa has sought appointment with party vice-president Rahul Gandhi to apprise him about the “mismanagement” by senior leaders which they blame for the botched bid to capture power.

Parrikar had represented Panaji constituency in the Assembly for last four terms before being elevated as a Union minister in the Modi cabinet.