Panaji, Jan 31 (IBNS) The political temperature is rising in poll-bound Goa as the oldest regional party Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) has resolved to pull out of the Congress-led government.
MGP, an important ally in the coalition government, has decided at the central committee meeting that its legislators Sudin Dhavalikar and his brother Deepak quit as ministers.
While Deepak has already resigned as the Chairman of Goa Horticulture Corporation and Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited, Sudin, State Transport minister, is yet to take a decision.
Party’s working President Narayan Sawant told reporters that the party had committed a serious mistake during the 2007 assembly polls when MGP, though contested independently, its minister continued in the cabinet which affected the party’s prospects.
“The party has therefore decided to withdraw its support to the government. Sudin is asked to resign from the council of ministers,” he said.
Out of total 16 committee members, 15 attended the meeting chaired by its President and MLA Deepak.
The regional party is forging an alliance with the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) to contest the March 3 elections. A decision will formally be announced on February 3 when a list of candidates will also be released.
Sudin, when questioned by the media, said he would tender his resignation once his party submits him the minutes of the meeting and an official note in the context.
The total strength of the coalition, after the withdrawal, would still be in majority with 23 seats in the assembly.
