Political crisis blows over as rebels split BY HERALD REPORTER New compromise formula worked out PANJIM, JAN 19 – The Digambar Kamat ministry survived the four-day old political crisis on Saturday after the central leadership came with a new compromise formula amidst split in the 9-member rebel group. It was Independent MLA Vishwajeet Rane – a mastermind of the entire operation - who broke away from the rebel group and rushed to New Delhi along with Dhavlikar brothers – Sudin and Deepak – of the MGP to negotiate for new terms and conditions, leaving Taleigao MLA Babsh Monserrate, Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco and one Congress MLA in the lurch. Taking advantage of the rift in the rebel camp, the High Command summoned the three NCP MLAs to Delhi where a new package was formulated ending the four-day drama in an anti-climax. Later, NCP leader and Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel announced after day-long hectic parleys, that the crisis had been resolved. "The chief minister will announce the formula to solve the issues on his return to Goa tomorrow," he said in the presence of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, AICC general secretary in-charge of Goa desk B K Hari Prasad, Congress President in Goa Francisco Sardinha. Vishwajeet, NCP's Mickky Pacheco and Dhavlikar brothers were also present, according to agency reports. "All NCP MLAs, MGP MLAs, Independent Vishwajit Rane and Save Goa Front member have decided to support the Digamber Kamat government," Patel said adding "all matters have been solved". Vishwajeet said all the important issues have been settled; and resignations put in by the three ministers as well as the letter submitted by NCP legislators on January 16 withdrawing support to would be withdrawn. Kamat, who is in the national capital since yesterday for talks with central leaders had remarked that "God will save my government", thereby virtually throwing up his hands in the wake of the political developments that took him by surprise. A helpless Kamat had said yesterday in Delhi that his government was being toppled for no fault of his. "I ask the people of Goa, have I done anything wrong," he said. It may be recalled that on January 16 a group of nine legislators attempted to bring down the government on the floor of the House on Finance Bill. As the House was adjourned abruptly preempting the plan, three ministers – Vishwajeet, Jose Philip D'Souza and Mickky Pachoco had resigned from the ministry and NCP MLAs had withdrawn support to the government the same evening plunging the coalition government in deep crisis. Denial: Meanwhile, Curchorem MLA Shyam Satardekar asserted that he is very much with the Congress. He refuted the charge that he was not present in the assembly on Jan 16. "I was very much present". Replying to a question on notice served by the Congress whip Agnelo Fernandes, Satardekar said "may be it is issued, but I have not received it… I came to know of it from newspaper reports." ENDS.
THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS THE SAME ONE AS THAT OF THE TORNADO .... Hold on to your nuts! ;-) Mog asundi. Miguel -- -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. Miguel Braganza, S1 Gracinda Apts, Rajvaddo, Mhapsa 403507 Goa Ph 9822982676 [EMAIL PROTECTED] -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
