Political crisis deepens with three ministers resigning in Goa

Panaji, Jan 16(UNI) The stability of seven-month-old Congress-led coalition government headed by chief minister Digambar Kamat is at stake with three ministers resigning from the cabinet in a late night development today.

Neither the Chief Minister nor the offices of the Governor and the Speaker confirmed receiving the resignation letters so far.

The three include Health Minister Viswajeet Rane, son of speaker pratapsingh Rane, Tourism Minister Francisco (Mickey) Xavier Pascheco, Revenue Minister Jose Phillip D'Souza.

While Rane is an independent member in the House, the other two represent NCP which is the pre-election coalition partner of the Congress.

Another NCP member Neelakanth Harlankar had also resigned as Parliamentary Secretary with Cabinet status.

Confirming the resignations, Mr Pascheco said they were not happy with the government which ignored development of the state, besides the coalition partners.

A few days ago, the NCP General Secretary Tariq Anwar ruled out withdrawing support to the government in Goa though it was not satisfied with its allocation of portfolios and inadequate representation in the government.

It is to be seen whether they withdraw their support to the government tomorrow when the Appropriation Bill comes up for voting in the House.

The House was adjourned this afternoon without undertaking the government business at the request of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on the pretext of a road accident which killed 11 and injured ten others at Pernim.

(Ed: here take related series suitably).

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