BJP demands Goa Guv's scalp

New Delhi, Jun 9 (UNI) A BJP delegation led by Leader of the Opposition in the Goa Assembly Manohar Parikkar and the State BJP President Sripad Naik today submitted a memorandum to President Pratibha Patil accusing State Governor S C Jamir of indulging in 'partisan behaviour' not imagined by the founders of Constitution.

The leaders accompanied by BJP leader in charge of party affairs in the state Rajiv Pratap Rudy while handing over signatures of 200,000 Goan voters and demanding initiation of appropriate steps to replace the Governor said they were willing to overlook the instances of extravagant spending of Mr Jamir because of his frequent trips to his home state of Nagaland but his blatant partisan actions to save the crisis-riden Digambar Kamat Government had brought disrespect to the high constitutional post.

Citing the example, the memorandum said the Assembly session was prorogued on January 17, 2008 which was considering the financial business on the advice of the state cabinet which had been reduced to a minority after six MLAs, including three ministers, withdrew their support to the government. It was a blatant violation of the apex court's direction in S R Bommai's case as the floor test was the only proof of majority support enjoyed by the Government.

This followed the ordinance to increase contingency fund to allow financial spending by the Government without approval of the Assembly and allow time to buy MLAs and garner a fresh majority.

The BJP, the leaders said, was forced to approach the people for a signature campaign against the State Government. The campaign had received overwhelming support from voters. Replacing of the Governor would be in the interest of maintaining the high dignity of the post, the delegation told the President.

Asked about Ms Patil's reaction, Mr Rudy said, "When we were explaining to the President, she heard us patiently and was 'nodding' when we voiced out demands.'' UNI MCN/KAS RL KP1653