Date:27/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/27/stories/2007072753151600.htm

National

Floor test only option in Goa: BJP

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday demanded that a floor test be held to determine whether the Kamat Government in Goa enjoyed majority support.

“There should be no President’s rule,” party spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad said here, claiming that the BJP had the numbers to stake claim to form a government.

After the Bommai judgment, a floor test was the only option to determine whether a government continued to enjoy majority or lost it.

The BJP claims the support of 20 legislators — 14 of its own, two of the Save Goa Front, two of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party which has withdrawn support to the Congress-led Government, one of the United Goan Democratic Party and one independent.

After the resignation of Congress MLA Victoria Fernandes, the Assembly strength is down to 39. But there are reports that the Congress is trying to persuade her to withdraw her resignation.

The central BJP leadership is clear that the former Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar, should lead the government again.

“Internal problems”

The party said it did nothing to disturb the Congress-led Government. The turmoil was the result of the Congress’ internal problems and its not-so-smooth relations with allies.

BJP leader Javadekar said the Governor should “sack” the Kamat Government if it did not resign, and then invite the BJP.