BJP warns against delay in formation of new government in Goa

New Delhi, July 26 (UNI) The Bharatiya Janata Party today warned against the delay in the formation of new alternative government in Goa where the Congress-led coalition was reduced to a minority.

The 49-day-old government of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat lost support of lone woman rebel Congress MLA Victoria Fernandes who resigned both her membership of the House and party, while both MLAs of Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and independent MLA Anil Salgaocar withdrew from the coalition government.

BJP spokesperson Prakash Javedekar told the media that Leader of the BJP-led opposition in the Assembly Manohar Parrikar has already submitted a list of 20 MLAs to the Governor's office.

The strength of the 40-member Goa Assembly has come down to 39, including Speaker Pratpsinh Rane, with the resignation of Mrs Victoria Fernandes.

Governor S C Jamir, who had come to New Delhi yesterday to attend the swearing-in of President Pratibha Patil, is still in the city. A source at Goa Sadan said Mr Jamir had gone out for a '' medical check-up. '' But it is learnt that the Governor is holding discussion with the Congress leadership in the Capital,'' he said.

Mr Javedekar said BJP expected the Governor to return to Panaji this evening or tomorrow morning and take an early decision in formation of new government led by Mr Parrikar. He warned against any delay as had happened in the case of swearing-in of government in Jharkhand.

He said the Kamat government has been reduced to minority because of internal dissension in the coalition, stating '' BJP has no role'' in the crisis in Goa.

Anti-Congress parties have forged a ''Goa Democratic Alliance (GDA)'' and staked claim to form a government headed by BJP leader Manohar Parrikar.

The GDA has a strength of 20, including 14 BJP members, two MLAs each of the Save Goa Front (SGF) and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), the lone legislator of the United Goans Democratic Party and independent Anil Salgaocar.

UNI