While the BJP and INC settle for 17 and 15 seats respectively on their own, though well below the 21 mark, in the current Goa Legislative Assembly of 40 seats (whose term commenced in March 2017) the support of other parties and Independents remain a crucial factor for the BJP led coalition Government to survive post- Mr.Manohar Parrikar and if the INC decides to stake claim to form the Government a promise, by the Panaji Assembly Constituency candidate and now MLA elect Mr. Antansio (Babush) Monserrate -- contesting on the INC ticket - defeating the BJP – a seat held for well nigh 25 years - by both late Manohar G Parrikar ex CM and his proxy MLA Mr. Siddharth Kuncolienkar. The INC has been nursing a grudge that the BJP led coalition had robbed it of its mandate given in March, 2017 when the BJP and INC had secured 13 and 17 seats respectively on their own. Though the sins of some of the INC MLA's caught themselves on the wrong foot. Now given the absolute majority of the BJP on its own at the Centre and the prospects of PM Mr. Narendra Modi led NDA heading for a second term until 2022 -- when India attains 75 years of Independence -- the BJP led coalition in Goa has not much to worry as of now but would always opt for stability with its own numbers.
Presently the three independents, the lone MGP would continue to support the BJP. Same is the case with the three MLA's of the Goa Forward Party. However, with the GFP party supremo, the MLA Fatorda sending contrary signals of vibing at times with INC or BJP the same does not bode well for the stability of the current dispensation in power. Hence the prospects of two of the MLA’s from the Siolim and Saligao Assembly constituencies being lured to join the BJP any time from now appears inevitable. This can be achieved without attracting the provisions of the Anti Defection law or the need for fresh by-elections. This would leave the INC 15 and the NCP 1 in the Opposition without much ado. GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES, cyber journo & social activist BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA) +91 98221 58584 (24 hrs ) gonsalvesgodfre...@yahoo.co.in
