On Saturday, the Congress staked claim to form the government in Goa. The party, in a letter, asked Governor Mridula Sinha to "dismiss" the BJP-led government which it said was in a minority. “We were the largest party on the day of the elections and we asked to be invited. We are again asking what is our right," the letter read.
The strength of Goa Assembly has reduced from 40 to 37 after the death of BJP MLA Francis D'Souza and resignation of two MLAs -- Subhash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte.
After the Congress dispatched a letter to Governor Mridula Sinha, the BJP called for an “emergency meeting” at the party headquarters in Panaji. In the letter, Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavlekar attributed the Congress decision to the death of former Cabinet minister Francis D’Souza in February, reducing the BJP strength to 13. The letter was emailed, faxed and hand-delivered to Raj Bhawan.
Governor Sinha is yet to give the party an appointment but until late evening, she met BJP’s organising secretary Satish Dhond.
Deputy Speaker and BJP leader Michael Lobo Saturday said the “emergency meeting” was called to discuss the details on Parrikar’s health, which he said was showing no signs of improvement and had forced the party to start discussing options and taking the coalition into confidence.
“Decision will happen today morning. We will be giving a letter to the Governor. We do not have CM (Manohar Parrikar). We will have to visit his mortal remains. Then his body will be taken to party office and then a decision will be taken. There is no problem about chief ministership. Other problems will be resolved by 10 am. We will go to governor after body is brought to BJP office,” state BJP chief Vinay Tendulkar said.
Most of the MLAs said the first priority of the party was to give a “decent state funeral” to Manohar Parrikar before they sat for the next round of talks. Shripad Naik, another CM hopeful also emerged saying, “nothing is finalised. Discussions are on.”
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AT 4:40 am — as the police spread their perimeter across Panjim to facilitate the final journey of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, a different scene kept emerging at hotel Cida De Goa where BJP leaders and allies continued to be in a deadlock, with no decision arrived at till early hours of the day. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari walked in at midnight — beginning talks with each ally and BJP MLA. All MLAs continued to stress they were not open to allow Governor to call for suspended animation of the assembly. The first round— there will be more— ended in the early hours of the day around 5 am, with every MLA emerging out after having expressed their options to Gadkari and party observer BL Santosh. Till 6 am, there was no clarity. At Miramar meanwhile, the beach bed was being cleared by the state government for the final rites pf Parrikar scheduled at 5 pm.
Read Full Report Here
Sudin Dhavalikar, MGP has put his demand, wants to become chief minister, says Michael Lobo, Goa Assembly Deputy Speaker and BJP MLA from Calangute. "He has put his demand. It’s being worked out. He said I have sacrificed many times by supporting the BJP so he wants to become the CM," Lobo said. Right now, till 4:430 pm the final rites of CM is important, after that the rest will happen, Lobo added.
Vijai Sardesai leader of Goa forward, an ally of BJP and independents MLAs leave after meeting Nitin Gadkari at Cidade De Goa. It is not easy to fill Parrikar’s shoes. Stating that it was 'not easy to fill Parrikar’s shoes', Vijai Sardesai said, "we are in the process of finalising. Nothing is confirmed yet. The contours of this alliance government in future we have discussed that. We have given our options and asked them to revert. We have also discussed who should be delegated what and how to work for the alliance in future. They have agreed on certain things and they have said they will get back on certain things."
The lone Independent Prasad Gaonkar was brought to Cida De Goa meeting by Babush (Atanasio Monserrate). Gaonkar had shown his support to Congress, but Babush, an old friend of Vijai Sardesai, was seen escorting him to the meeting with Nitin Gadkari. With this BJP continues to have the support of all the independents. Babush is a former minister and a known kingmaker during elections.
The Congress party in Goa has managed to convince NCP MLA Churchill Alemao and one independent to their side. The total tally for Congress now stands at 17, two shy of the majority mark. Countering Congress' claim, BJP says, these numbers don't count, they still can’t prove at floor test.
Earlier tonight, Congress formally staked its claim with Governor Mridula Sinha to form a government in Goa. In their letter, they added that the government was in power as coalition partners supported Parrikar, and not BJP.
Vijai Sardesai leader of Goa forward, an ally of BJP walks in with independents. He had earlier staged a “show of solidarity” along with independent MLAs to the house of Chief Minister Parrikar on Friday. Today, he is the second ally partner to walk in to meet Gadkari, who is currently along with Shripad Naik, Michael Lobo, Vishwajit Rane is holding a meeting with Goa BJP MLAs.
Police perimeters being put out at Kala Academy, BJP headquarters and the beach at Miramar and the route where Parrikar will make his final journey. All state government offices, public sector undertakings, all educational institutions will remain closed on March 18.
Program schedule of Manohar Parrikar’s final journey:
* From 9.30 am to 10.30 am, Parrikar's mortal remains will be kept at the BJP head office in Panjim
* At 10.30 am, Parrikar’s mortal remains will be taken to Kala Academy
* From 11 am to 4 pm, people will be allowed to pay final respects to the former Goa chief minister
* At 4 pm, the funeral procession will begin towards Miramar. Parrikar will finally be laid to rest at 5 pm
The long night begins as media has taken over the lobby of Cidade De Goa. Nitin Gadkari has just walked in followed by BJP leaders. Shripad Naik, Michael Lobo, Vishwajit Rane. Gadkari will be meeting the party MLAs to formalise the name of the new CM candidate of Goa. With the Congress already written to Goa Governor staking claim to form Government, the BJP is most likely to announce Parrikar's successor tonight.
Deputy speaker and BJP MLA Michael Lobo said the decision on the CM candidate will be taken in the meeting which is going to take place in Goa anytime soon. "The candidates will be finalised in an hour. Nitin Gadkari and Amit Shah will finalise. We are waiting," he said. He also stated that the swearing in will take place at 8 am on Monday.
Congress late on Sunday, again, formally staked its claim with Governor Mridula Sinha to form a government in Goa. In their letter they added that the government was in power as coalition partners supported Parrikar, and not BJP. Vijai Sardesai, Goa Forward Party says, "We had given support to Manohar Parrikar not BJP. Now that he is not anymore, options are open. We want stability in Goa, we don't want dissolution of house. We'll wait for the decision at the BJP legislature meeting & then take the next step"
Goa has lost one of the greatest leaders of the soil. This loss is certainly irreversible and incalculable. Though I had political differences with him, I respected him as an individual as well as a leader of great abilities.I consider myself lucky to have witnessed the entire political career of our beloved ' Bhai ' who rose from a middle class family background to the height of the Defense Minister of India and I respect him a lot for his achievements. He made all of us proud.He proved himself as a true fighter who fought against the dangerous illness of cancer while continuing with the regular service of the state. He will be remembered for all his good deeds and memories he left behind for all of us to get inspiration. May our Lord bless and comfort him and his family during this time of grief. May his departed soul gets eternal peace.
Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar, leader of Opposition.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has arrived in Goa, where he is likely to meet the BJP MLAs to discuss the party's future course of action. Speaking about the possible meeting, BJP MLA Glen Ticlo said, “We are asked to come here as someone from Delhi will be here to discuss the future course. It’s Nitin Gadkari most likely.”
The Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay paid tributes to Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, an alumnus of the institute. Remembering the late leader, the institute said, "Goa Chief Minister Mr. Manohar Parrikar's demise comes as a shock to all of us at IIT Bombay. He was the Institute's Distinguished Alumnus and keenly involved with many initiatives at IIT Bombay. He was also deeply involved with the launch of IIT Goa. He was the Chief Guest for the 55th Convocation of IIT Bombay held on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 10.00 am at the Institute’s Convocation Hall. The Institute condoles his demise. The Institute had felicitated its Distinguished Alumnus Mr. Manohar Parrikar, former Minister of Defence, Government of India, who graduated in Metallurgical Engineering from the Institute in 1978, “In recognition of his contribution to the Development of the Country,” on the Alumni Day in 2014."
Parrikar was first IIT grad to be an MLA in India.
Following the demise of the former defence minister and Goa CM Manohar Parrikar, all the state government offices, local-autonomous bodies, public sector undertakings, all educational institutions including aided institutions shall remain closed on March 18. BJP's CEC meeting along with all the other official programmes slated for tomorrow also stands cancelled.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condoled the demise of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. "Deeply saddened by the news of the passing away of former Defence Minister of India and Chief Minister Goa Manohar Parrikar. My thoughts and prayers are with his family,
friends & followers. May his soul rest in peace," Patnaik wrote on Twitter.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi also paid tributes to Manohar Parrikar. "My condolences to the bereaved family of Manohar Parrikar. I met him only once when he graciously visited my mother at the hospital two years ago. May his soul rest in peace," she tweeted.
Presently, both the Congress and the BJP are holding separate meetings with their respective MLAs. The Congress is currently the single largest party in the state with 14 MLAs while the BJP has 12 in the 40-member Goa assembly following the demise of Manohar Parrikar. The Goa Forward Party, MGP and Independents have three MLAs each while NCP has one legislator.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said with the demise of Manohar Parrikar, India had lost a humble, simple, trusted, valued and hardworking leader. "Terribly pained and saddened...With the sudden demise of Goa CM Manohar Parrikar ji, we have lost a humble, simple, trusted, valued and hardworking leader of India. His dedication towards his work was beyond imagination," Fadnavis said.
Congress Goa unit is likely to visit Raj Bhawan tonight to stake claim to form the government. Congress is currently the single largest party in the state with 14 MLAs.
Program schedule of Manohar Parrikar’s final journey: From 9.30 am to 10.30 am, Parrikar's mortal remains will be kept at the BJP head office in Panjim. At 10.30 am, Parrikar’s mortal remains will be taken to Kala Academy. From 11 am to 4 pm, people will be allowed to pay final respects to the former Goa chief minister. At 4 pm, the funeral procession will begin towards Miramar. Parrikar will finally be laid to rest at 5 pm.
Congress has called for a legislature party meeting now. "We have called for a Congress legislative meeting right now," says Goa party leader Sunil Kawthankar.
Paying tribute to former Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said his untimely demise had left a void that would be difficult to fill. "My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Manohar Parrikar Sahib. His untimely demise has left a void that will be difficult to fill. May his soul rest in peace," Abdullah tweeted. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee too expressed grief. "Saddened at the passing away of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar ji. He patiently endured his illness. Condolences to his family and his admirers," she said.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the demise of his Goa counterpart Manohar Parrikar. Naidu said Parrikar joined politics after graduating from IIT and rendered exemplary services to Goa. "His services will always be remembered," PTI quoted Naidu as saying.
Manohar Parrikar's penchant, evident at a young age, for the un-obvious approach and an independent style backed with swift decision-making, which was to define his political journey, is what made Subash Velingkar, his mentor and RSS guru, handpick him as the future face of the BJP in Goa. READ HIS OBITUARY HERE
The Centre has announced national mourning tomorrow following the demise of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. The national flag will fly at half-mast in New Delhi and in capitals of states and Union Territories. State funeral will be accorded to Parrikar. A meeting of the Union Cabinet has been called at 10 am on Monday.
Now, with the death of Manohar Parrikar, the BJP-led coalition in Goa has to search for a new leader to replace him. "With CM Parrikar's demise, the ruling coalition will have to make a fresh representation to the governor after choosing their leader. The representation will have the letter of support," a senior official from State Legislature Department told PTI. "If the governor (Mridula Sinha) is not convinced, then she will have to invite the single largest party to form a government," he said.
India will be eternally grateful to Shri Manohar Parrikar for his tenure as our Defence Minister. When he was RM, India witnessed a series of decisions that enhanced India’s security capacities, boosted indigenous defence production and bettered the lives of ex-servicemen: PM Narendra Modi
Parrikar had been suffering from a pancreatic ailment for the last one year and has undergone treatment in the US as well as at AIIMS, Delhi, and a private hospital in Mumbai. A condolence meeting will be held in the Union Cabinet at 11 am on Monday for Parrikar. Read more here
Condolence meet to be held in the Union Cabinet at 11 am tomorrow for Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
Union minister Shripad Naik not being allowed to enter the gates. Security makes him wait.
Goa police have taken their positions at the gate of Manohar Parrikar’s private residence. Relatives have started visiting the CM's family. Chief Secretary Parimal Rai arrives at CM's residence.
"Digambar will be landing post 8 pm at Goa. He goes back to Ahmedabad on March 21, where Amit Shah is there. I am sure news reports will emerge then too. All these are being done to divert attention from the crisis Goa is going through. The Governor is shying away from her responsibilities,” says Girish Chodonkar.
“We are against president rule. On the day of elections and till date we are the single largest party. We have never been allowed to prove ourself. We have too many options open. The formation of government is never about race to Raj Bhavan. Then too we had given a letter on the same day and she never even had the courtesy to acknowledge it. Because she still believes she is an office beater of BJP. Our immediate aim is to bring the governor into her senses because right now she is behaving like a BJP office bearer,” Girish Chodonkar added.
“We are with the family of Manohar Parrikar at this crucial time. But as far as the chief minister is concerned it’s on the governor to update his health status to the people of Goa. Right now, speaker and deputy speaker on record say that his condition is deteriorating. So we don't know why she is shying from officially releasing the CM's health status. We know an OSD was empowered and as of now, we don't know who is clearing the files in the government. It looks like BJP is leaderless and for quite some time the CM is facing this situation. To overcome this situation, and to take away the minds of people from governance and the internal situation in the alliance. We are surprised the MLAs in their meeting are discussing Digambar Kamat. And they are also telling it publicly. They are breaking some MLA from another party and they are even discussing it. We are surprised how BJP is doing this democratically. This time they are discussing in the MLA meet where opinions are being taken. They are using the media to create confusion. Their deputy speaker is on record. How many times will BJP fool people of Goa," says Girish Chodonkar.
"We are the single largest party, and also the Opposition, the governor who is on holiday and who was BJP office bearer, has forgotten her constitutional duties, she is answerable to the citizens of Goa. Despite our letters, till now she has not even acknowledged that the single largest party has asked for an audience to stake claim," said Congress leader Girish Chodonkar in the press conference.
”The present government is as good as absent. We are staking claim with all the numbers. We are still the single largest party. Till last night, their own ministers and MLAs are using adjectives for their CM’s health. His condition is deteriorating. The governor has time to meet the functionaries of BJP. But constitutionally we are asking her for an appointment to stake our claim and it’s the fifth request but she has not given us a single audience," Chandrakant Kavlekar said.
"We also complained about the rumours being pushed about our leader Digambar Kamat. We have no doubt against him, not even one per cent. These rumours are not in good taste and done purposely to damage our strength. We are united and we are ready to show them our strength," Kavlekar added.
We will also be sending a communication to Governor Mridula Sinha that we cannot rely on several versions of CM’s health from various BJP MLAs. We need it officially and we are going to appeal to her to disclose the health update of the CM to Goans,” he said.
Goa Congress committee holds press meet
"Since morning I am being chased. Till today I have not met anybody. Today also, I have finished my work in Delhi. I have not met anyone neither in BJP nor in Congress. I have lots of scheduled commitments. I am glad people remember me and my name was taken. But I am with the Congress and will be attending the CLP. Last month too someone did this. These news item floating from other side are totally baseless and not true," Digambar Kamat told The Indian Express.
"I spoke to Digambar Kamat and he has denied reports of joining BJP. Looking at the way things are, if the BJP doesn't make Pramod Sawant as their CM candidate then they might go for suspended animation of the state assembly,” Political commentator Cleofato Almeida Coutinho told The Indian Express.
These rumours only prove one thing. The problem with BJP is that they don't have their own leaders. They are deprived of leadership. Even to protect their party they take names of Congress leaders as their CM candidate. They are dependent on us to show leadership. I absolutely deny these rumours. I spoke to Digambar Kamat and he informed me he is in Delhi for a swimming federation meet. Also, why do you forget the way he was harassed by BJP on a false case and his house was raided, his wife, his children all were harassed by that party. Do you think anyone who is humane, who has suffered so will join that party.” said Dr A Chellakumar, All India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretary and Goa Desk In-charge.
“If we are telling the world that we can prove a majority then there has to be some truth to it. We know we have to show a house of 21. And we know we have to get those 7 MLAs above our strength of 14 Congress MLAs. We have now sent a fifth letter of request to Governor Mridula Sinha so this is frankly unfair and constitutionally illegal towards Congress,” says Chandrakant Kavlekar.