Goa Raj Bhavan has been converted into BJP office, alleges Congress

Panaji (Goa), [India], Mar 17 (ANI): It is very unfortunate that the government in the state is being manipulated and the Raj Bhawan has been converted into the office of BJP, alleges Congress party.
“It is very unfortunate and sad that the institution of Governor is being manipulated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Raj Bhawan has been converted into the office of BJP,” said Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) chief spokesperson Sunil Kawthankarsa.
Alleging that Governor Mridula Sinha is meeting BJP leaders but the Congress’ request for an urgent meeting is yet to be addressed by her. “We wonder if the Raj Bhawan has been converted into BJP political office.”
“The organising secretary of BJP just walks in to meet the Governor but despite repeated requests from the Leader of Opposition for an urgent appointment, we are yet to receive any communication from the office of Governor,” he said.
He said the Congress strongly condemns this deliberate delay in giving an appointment by the Governor to the single largest party. “It is anti-democracy and is aimed at giving political advantage to the BJP,” he said.
It is worth mentioning that in a letter to Goa Governor Sinha, Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavlekar has claimed to have the majority to form the government in the state.
“Consequent upon the sad demise of BJP MLA Francis D’Souza, the BJP government led by Manohar Parrikar which has long lost the trust of people has also lost the strength of the House,” Chandrakant said in his letter to the Governor.
Former Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza died last month after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Kavlekar has urged the Governor to dismiss the incumbent government while claiming that the Congress party has the majority to form the government in Goa.
“It is, therefore, incumbent upon you (Governor) to dismiss this government and ensure that Congress party which is the single largest party in the august house and is presently enjoying the majority be called to form the government,” he has stated in the letter.
Chandrakant has also threatened to challenge any decision that is in ‘violation’ of the constitutional mandate to invite the single largest party to form the state government. He has warned that the attempt to bring the state under the President’s Rule will be undemocratic and illegal.
“Kindly note that any action in violation of the constitutional mandate to invite the single largest party to form the government and any attempt to bring the state under the President’s Rule will be undemocratic and will be challenged, as deemed fit,” he said.
The present strength of the Goa Assembly stands at 37 instead of 40. (ANI)