Proposal to make non-BJP MLA chief minister, says Vijai Sardesai Even though BJP had more than a year to keep the plan ready, the search for chief minister Manohar Parrikar’s successor appears far from smooth.The legislature wing of the party consists of 12 MLAs in the house of 40 at the moment and sources said the party insists that the new leader should be amongst them. Much, though, will depend on what the coalition partners think.Parrikar’s death brought warring parties together. All along, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and the Goa Forward Party (GFP) were at each other’s throats, but in a surprise turn of events on Sunday, they put up a united front and held a meeting in Dona Paula. The two regional parties, who have three MLAs each, were joined by three independents.MGP leader, Ramkrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavalikar said all nine MLAs will meet Union minister for shipping and transport Nitin Gadkari , who arrived post-midnight, and decide on the chief ministerial candidate.Gadkari has been deputed by BJP to hold talks with party MLAs and coalition partners here. Political observers feel it will not be easy for Gadkari as he will have to convince the allies for their support to the BJP candidate for the top post.Earlier in the evening, BJP organising secretary Satish Dhond held talks with the coalition partners where they were huddled inside a Dona Paula flat.Two years ago, when the Parrikar-led government was formed, the coalition partners had given separate letters to the governor, supporting a government headed only by Parrikar. With the passing away of Parrikar, fresh letters of support would have to be submitted to the governor, sources said.The group of nine had a four-hour meeting and were joined by three BJP legislators, including Vishwajit Rane, who is vying for the top post. Deputy speaker Michael Lobo and Aldona MLA Glenn Ticlo were also present, ending the meeting post 11pm when they left for the chief minister’s private residence at Dona Paula.“There is a proposal through unofficial channel to make non-BJP MLA as the chief minister. After the BJP legislature party meeting, we will take a stand. Nobody can take anybody for granted,” GFP president Vijai Sardesai said.Sardesai has always maintained that the support was for Parrikar and not BJP. He said BJP should first decide what they want and then seek views of the allies.Congress MLA Digambar Kamat’s name has not been discussed for the chief minister’s post, said Sardesai.

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