5 more MLAs ditch DF, govt on edge

The PWP and the two-member CPM, however, have said they won’t vote support a Shiv-Sena-BJP formation. Though this makes the collapse of the government unlikely, the game is open.

Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh put up a brave face. ‘‘We still enjoy a majority and will be able to prove it if asked,’’ he said.

The move by the Independents came after the PWP’s decision to pull out of the government in protest against the reinduction of NCP MLA Sunil Tatkare.

The five MLAs who met the Governor are Dharmarao Atram (Gondavana Ganatantra Party), V. Suryavanshi (Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh) and Independents Vasant Itkelwar, Sanjay Deshmukh and Sitaram Ghandat.

After meeting the Governor, Atram said the MLAs had decided to support an alternative Shiv Sena-BJP government. The legislators were accompanied by Sena supporters Anil Gote (Samajwadi Janata Party), Baban Gholap and Badamrao Pandit (both Independents). Gote claimed to have a letter from Shivajirao Gortekar, an Independent.

Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and NCP chief Sharad Pawar immediately began the firefighting exercise. Pawar held talks with Deshmukh, Dy CM Chhagan Bhujbal and senior NCP leaders throughout the day.

The DF’s immediate worry is to keep the MLAs together as the saffron combine still needs the support of 12 members. Pawar will also have to ensure that NCP dissidents don’t switch over.

He talked to JD (S) chief H.D. Deve Gowda on telephone and ensured his party would not pull out of immediately. Though the JD (S) deferred its decision to withdraw support till next week it agreed ‘‘in principle’’ to go ahead along with the Left and PWP.

Pawar also talked to CPI (M) gen secretary H.K.S. Surjeet, who reportedly assured told him that his MLAs will not make any move to topple the government.