Rupesh Samant

Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Sep 18: Even as Congress has staked claim to form the government in Goa before state Governor Mridula Sinha, Goa Forward Party is emerging as one of the most reliable ally for BJP for the stability of its government in the coastal state.

Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai along with his own two party legislators and three Independent MLAs have grouped together strongly standing behind BJP-led government.

The group of six legislators including three from GFP – Sardesai, Vinod Palyekar and Jayesh Salgaoncar and Independents – Rohan Khaunte, Govind Gawade and Prasad Gaonkar -- had shown its unity when they walked together to meet BJP’s Central Observers B L Santhosh, Ram Lal and Vijay Puranik at a city hotel here on Sunday.

“We are together with GFP with a clear intention to provide good governance and better administration to Goans. We are united to support the BJP and not to harm it in any way,” Independent MLA and State Civil Supplies Minister Govind Gawade told reporters on Monday in Panaji.

He said that the group wants BJP to find out permanent solution for the current political situation which is arising due to absence of Parrikar in the State owing to his health condition.

“Right from day one, we are with BJP and will continue to remain same. There is no question of creating political instability,” he said.

State Agriculture Minister and GFP President Vijai Sardesai has been considered as confidant of Parrikar during last one and half year of governance. He has also managed to get together group of six legislators together making it a strong block in support of BJP.

“Whatever they are doing should be permanent and there should not be ad-hoc basis,” Sardesai said commenting on the current political situation.

The GFP leader went on to appreciate BJP National President to depute senior leaders to hear the alliance partners in Goa. “This reflects the concern that the BJP National President has for small state like Goa, which is deserving and appreciated,” he said.

When asked whether he is in touch Congress party which needs the numbers to stake claim for the formation of government, Sardesai reacted “We are not talking to anyone, neither anybody is talking to us.”

BJP has 14 legislators of its own and considering the support of group of six including GFP and Independents, its strength has gone up to 20 in 40-member House.

The ruling coalition also has a support of three legislators from Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party taking its tally to 23, giving it a comfortable majority in the State Legislative Assembly.