Goa Forward embraces Shivsena for Earthquake, forming Front to topple BJP Govt in Goa
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 29 November 2019 13:58 IST
In a dramatic development, Goa Forward has joined hands with Shivsena to topple the BJP government of Goa, on the lines of Maharashtra, by extending the Maha Vikas Aghadi to the tourist state.
This was announced by Shivsena leader and Goa in-charge Sanjay Raut in Mumbai in the presence of GF leader Vijai Sardesai along with MLAs Jayesh Salgaonkar and Vinod Palayekar.
“Political earthquake in Goa is inevitable. We will form a front of all the non-BJP parties and independents in Goa and topple the BJP government by also getting some MLAs from the ruling BJP”, said Raut.
He also claimed that he has already spoken to MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar.
Vijai, who had gone to attend swearing-in ceremony of Maharashtra CM Udhav Thackeray, on the other hand told media in Mumbai that he has also met NCP leader Praful Patel.
But there is no response yet from local leaders of the NCP or MGP.
Both Raut or Vijai however have not yet claimed that they discussed the plan also with Congress leaders in Goa, Maharashtra or at national level.
Support of Congress in Goa is crucial for this Front to go ahead with.
Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat expressed total ignorance over these developments.
“Nobody has spoken any such thing to me”, he said.
Vijai Sardesai however told media in Mumbai that it is high time Maharashtra’s Maha Vikas Aghadi is extended to Goa.
“We have not yet decided what to name it. But all regional fronts should unite against the BJP. Some MLAs from the ruling BJP are also in touch with us”, he claimed.
WHAT’S THE NUMERICAL POSITION?
In the 40-member House of Goa, ruling BJP has a brute majority of 27. And to form the alternate government, minimum requirement is 21. But the non-BJP strength is only 13.
It includes 5 of Congress, 3 of Goa Forward and 1 each of the MGP and NCP.
Among the three independents, Govind Gaude is the minister while Sanguem MLA Prasad Gaonkar is also supporting the government, but without holding any post.
Rohan Khaunte, who was dropped as the minister by BJP CM, has however taken open stand against the BJP.
But even if these three independents join hands with the new front, it requires minimum 8 more MLAs to turn the tables against the BJP.
And since legal split requires strength of two third, at least 18 MLAs need to split from the BJP today, which is 27-member strong.
