Goa: MGP, Viswajit want Rane as CM for stable govt

Panaji, Jun 7: Even as Congress is still grappling with the choice of its Chief Ministerial candidate, two newly elected MGP legislators and an independent today favoured Pratapsingh Rane as the Chief Minister again in the interest of ''stable and comfortable government'' in Goa.

Former Co-operation Minister Ramakrishna Sudin Dhavlikar and his brother Deepak both elected on MGP ticket accompanied by Rane's son and independent MLA Viswjit Rane called on Governor S C Jamir and expressed their favour for Pratapsingh Rane's leadership.

It was only 24 hours ago that the MGP central committee dashed off a letter to Governor extending ''unconditional support'' to the Congress for formation of a stable government in Goa.

But in a new development, the two MGP leaders expressed their mind before the Governor besides submitting a fresh letter, exposing the chinks within the MGP leadership.

Mr Viswajit Rane also told the Governor that he wanted his father to be the Chief Minister in the interest of a ''stable government with able, mature and educated leadership''.

Incidentally, he had on June 5 itself submitted a letter extending ''unconditional'' support to Congress high command.

This development gains significance dimming the prospect of another candidate in race, GPCC president and former chief minister Ravi S Naik for the post of CM.

The rivalry between Ravi and Dhawlebars reached a peak when the former complained against the latter to the Congress high command, alleging anti-party activities, resulting in stripping of his PWD portfolio.

He, however, retained Co-operation portfolio.

Naik, as GPCC chief had even gained support of the party workers seeking dismissal of Dhawlibar from the Cabinet for abusing the PWD portfolio against the Congress' interests.

Another independent candidate and noted miner Anil Salgaoncar has demanded one of the six portfolios of his choice, including PWD, for extending support to the government.

UNI