Rane puts Cabinet expansion on hold

Rane, who is presiding over an eight-member Cabinet, told reporters here that the ‘‘remaining four vacancies would be filled after the vote of confidence’’.

Governor S.C. Jamir has not set any deadline for Rane to prove his majority. For the record, Rane claimed here today that he has informed the Governor that he would do so whenever the latter wished. ‘‘It is for the Governor to fix the date,’’ he said.

Having said this, Rane, as also Congress general secretary Margaret Alva, unveiled their future plans. Pointing out that former CM Manohar Parrikar was back in Goa, along with his party MLAs, Alva said: ‘‘We expect many more people to desert Parrikar’s fold.’’

‘‘Nobody will remain with them (BJP),’’ Rane added.

The Congress is obviously pinning its hopes on more resignations from the BJP ranks. Once that happens, Rane would naturally seek a vote of confidence.

Alva sought to cover up for the defections from the BJP, arguing that three of the four people who had joined the party originally belonged to the Congress. After terming them Congressmen, she went on to claim that the Cabinet had six ministers from Congress and only two from among Independents and other parties. She also claimed that ‘‘a majority of our MLAs are not asking for any posts or positions.’’

Rane brushed aside the CPI(M) demand for fresh elections. ‘‘It is their opinion. In a democracy, whosoever has a majority, should rule.’’