Goa Congress 'merges' with BJP; Former CM among 8 MLAs join BJP

Goa leader Michael Lobo along with 7 other congress lawmakers defected to BJP on Wednesday. He sent out a clarion call to others in the opposition party, saying 'Congress chhodo, BJP ko jodo.' The rebel lawmakers said they have joined BJP to 'strengthen the hands of PM Modi and CM Pramod Sawant'. The switch comes amid turmoil within Congress ranks and as Rahul Gandhi carries out his 150-day 'Bharat Jodo' yatra in hopes of reviving the party's fortune.