Summary:
Also, we anticipate that numbers of the BJP may further dwindle, thus not allowing such a party in minority to continue even for a moment,” the opposition leader said.Convenor of the Congress media department, Trajano D’Mello, said that the collapse in government administration was an additional reason for Sinha to dismiss the current government. “Any action in violation of the constitutional mandate to invite the single largest party to form the government and any attempt made to bring the state under president’s rule will be undemocratic and illegal and will be challenged as deemed fit.”The Congress’ claim comes after former Mapusa BJP MLA Francis D’Souza passed away.“The incumbent BJP-led state government under the leadership of Manohar Parrikar, which has long lost the trust of the people, has also lost the strength of the house. PANAJI: Anticipating a drop in BJP’s numbers in the 40-member house, Congress , in a fax to governor Mridula Sinha on Saturday, again staked its claim to form the government.Pointing out that it remains the single-largest party, Congress urged the governor to dismiss the BJP-led coalition government which had “lost the trust of the people”.Congress said that the strength of BJP in the 40-member legislative assembly could “dwindle” but cautioned Sinha against recommending president’s rule in the state.The letter, signed by opposition leader Chandrakant Kavlekar, was submitted to governor.Congress also sought an appointment with Sinha to justify their claim to form the government.“We are staking our claim to form the state government and demand that we be called to form the government forthwith by dismissing the incumbent BJP led government,” Kavlekar said. “We wonder whether Raj Bhavan has been converted to BJP office, as BJP organising secretary is getting walk-in access to the governor, but, despite repeated requests from the opposition leader for an urgent appointment, we are still to receive any communication from Raj Bhavan,” said chief spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar.Congress sent a second reminder on the same day seeking an appointment. Referring to statements made by revenue minister Rohan Khaunte and ports minister Jayesh Salgaonkar on the entry of a new vessel into river Mandovi, D’Mello questioned how the two ministers could claim to be in the dark about the development.“The two ministers should resign if they have no control or are unaware of what is happening in the government,” D’Mello said.Reacting to BJP organisational secretary Satish Dhond meeting with the governor, Congress said the institution of the governor was being manipulated by BJP..