NCP withdraws support from Goa Govt

Earlier, Ministers Vishavajit Rane (Ind), Francisco alias Micky Patheco & Joace Philip ( NCP) tendered their resignations to the governor.

The Congress-led coalition government in Goa was tonight reduced to a minority when its constituent NCP and an Independent MLA withdrew support, sparking a fresh political crisis which saw three ministers resigning.

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The ministers Vishavajit Rane (Independent), Francisco Pachecho and Joace Philip D'Souza (both NCP) tendered their resignations to Governor SC Jamir.

D'Souza said they have conveyed to the Governor as also the Assembly Speaker Pratapsinh Rane by fax about the withdrawal of support.

Visvajit Rane, Independent MLA and son of the Speaker, also withdrew support.

With the exit of NCP and Rane, the government's strength in the 40-mmember House was reduced to 19.

Before the withdrawal of support, the ruling coalition had 23 members-- Congress(16), NCP(3), Save Goa Front(2) and Independents(2). United Goans Democratic party's unattached legislator Atanasio Monserratte gives issue-based support to the government.

The opposition BJP has 14 members and MGP(2).

However, Chief Minister Digamber Kamat put up a brave front saying there was no threat to his ministry and rubbished reports of a crisis.

BJP leader Manohar Parrikar demanded that Jamir dismiss the Kamat government or the Chief Minister be asked to face a floor test tomorrow.

Sources said BJP is not averse to supporting a breakaway group from the ruling coalition.