Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (MB)
from special correspondent
Panaji, Aug 13: The fortnight-long political instability in the state came to an end on Monday with the United Goans Democratic Party (UGDP) legislator Atanasio 'Babush' Monserratte withdrawing support from BJP-led Goa democratic alliance and supporting Congress-led Digamber Kamat government.
Chief minister Digambar Kamat briefing the media at his residence on Monday afternoon following Babush Monserrates support to his Government on Monday. (Pic Rajtilak Naik)
Monserratte, who had led a coup against Digamber Kamat on July 25, which saw Maharashtrawadi Gomantak party, save Goa Front and UGDP withdrawing support to the Kamat government, on Monday did a volte face.
The Taleigao MLA, a lone UGDP legislator, met Governor S C Jamir this morning and gave the letter of support to the government.
``I have decided to withdraw from the GDA and support Congress-led formation only to ensure political stability in the state,'' the letter signed by Monserratte reads.
With today's move, the political equations in 40-seat-goa legislative assembly are inclined towards chief minister Digamber Kamat who is enjoying support of 20 legislators. On the other hand, GDA has 19 legislators in their camp.
The fate of Congress woman legislator Victoria Fernandes hangs in balance as speaker is yet to accept her resignation as MLA.
Congress has its own 15, Nationalist Congress party's three, an independent and a united Goans Democratic party (UGDP) with them. The GDA has 14 BJP, two save Goa front, two Maharashtrawadi Gomantak party (MGP) and an independent legislator in their camp.
The GDA legislators are currently camping in Delhi.
``I was stable in past and even now I am stable,'' chief minister Digamber Kamat told reporters waiting outside his official residence at Altinho here.
He said that the support extended by Monserratte is ``unconditional.''
Monserratte, in his support letter, has justified his volte face, has stated that he took the decision in view of turbulent political situation in the state. ``I am constrained to believe that political instability and resultant turmoil has affected the life of the common man and development work in the state of Goa,'' he said.
Monserratte said that the uncertainty that has resulted is unending and is unpredictable as far as the interest of the common man are concerned.
``In just concluded presidential and vice presidential elections, I have witnessed that the secular forces of the country have united to strengthen hands of UPA president Sonia Gandhi. As such it would be right and proper that in keeping with the national trend, we in Goa should also unite to strengthen secular and democratic forces in the state,'' the letter given to the Governor reads.
The GDA leader Manohar Parrikar, when contacted in Delhi, refused to comment on the events stating that he is yet to get the details of the move.
The Great Goan Political 'Tiatr':
- Goan Politics - beyond Comparison, beyond Analysis
- BJP Fears Further Misuse of Speaker's Powers
- GDA Pins Hopes on Prez Pratibha, All Eyes on Delhi
- Assembly Floor - How the Test was Won - Pics
- CM Kamat Survives Floor Test, Thanks to Speaker
- Political Theatre Temporarily Shifts Base to Delhi
- Volte Face, Coups and What Not - History Repeats in Goa - Special Analysis
- GDA Submits 20 Signatures to Form Government
- Assembly Adjourned until Monday, July 30 - Pics
- No Permanent Friend or Foe in Politics: 'Mommy' Victoria
- BJP-led Goa Democratic Alliance's Claim to Form Govt
- BJP may Form Government - Hectic Parleys on
- Reduced to Minority, Kamat Government in Doldrums
- Congress Seeks Disqualification of Victoria Fernandes
- Chief Minister to Resist All Attempts at Horse-trading
- CM Puts up a Brave Face as Dissensions Thrive
- With Rumours of Resignations, Govt Faces Rough Weather
- Political Appointments: HC Bench Issues Notices
- Voters Feel Cheated, Thanks to Double-tongued Politicians
- Political Storm Blows over, CM Looks Relieved
- State Govt Totters with Swift Political Developments
- MLA-on-fast Victoria Fernandes Moved to Hospital
- CM Kamat Expands Cabinet with Eight New Ministers
- Allocation of Portfolios a 'Knotty' Problem for Kamat
- Digambar Kamat Sworn in as 19th Chief Minister
- It's Fractured Mandate again - Cong 16, BJP 14, NCP 3