Goa Assembly Floor Test Highlights: Manohar Parrikar gets 4th term as CM, trashes allegations of horse-trading

It is a government of coalition: Parrikar 

It is a government of coalition & decision in this regard will be taken by the coalition: Goa CM Parrikar on question of need of deputy CM pic.twitter.com/HZ8v3bgHzX

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2017

We have proved before the people of India, we had support of 23 and we proved it on the floor of house: Manohar Parrikar,Goa CM pic.twitter.com/Qkr1JiaADd

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2017

WATCH: Manohar Parrikar addresses media in Panaji

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“We have won the floor test, debunking Digvijaya’s claim that they have the numbers. This is what happens when you come to Goa to have fun.”

Congress party legislator Vishwajit Rane did not vote

The Manohar Parrikar-led coalition government in Goa proved its majority in the Goa Assembly, legitimising its existence.

Pro-tem speaker Sidharth Kuncalienkar announced victory of the Parrikar government after the floor test.

Parrikar government got support of 22 legislators, excluding the pro-tem speaker who was not required to cast his vote, while the Congress could manage only 17 votes.

In a major embarrassment, newly-elected Congress party legislator Vishwajit Rane did not vote, giving signals that all is not well with the Congress party. He walked out of the House after taking oath as legislator.

Manohar Parrikar govt proves majority 

BJP got the support of 22 MLAs, 16 were opposed and one was absent during the Goa floor test. Parrikar has the challenge of assigning the portfolios.

16 MLAs opposed, 22 supported and one was absent during the Goa floor test

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2017

Manohar Parrikar govt wins with 22 votes, Congress manages 16

#FLASH Floor test: 22 MLAs support CM Manohar Parrikar in Goa assembly pic.twitter.com/4q9PZwwl1Z

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2017

Congress raises questions over selection of pro-tem speaker

While BJP has numbers by its side to sail through today’s floor test without any hiccups, the rival Congress party is raising questions over selection of pro-tem speaker Sidharth Kuncalienkar, BJP legislator from Panaji seat.

Kuncalienkar was sworn in as the pro-tem speaker by Governor Mridula Sinha on Wednesday. He will continue in the post until the assembly elects its new Speaker, likely to take place couple of days before the Manohar Parrikar government presents its budget sometime next week.

Kuncalienkar, who worked as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Parrikar while he was Goa chief minister from 2012 to 2014 before he moved to the centre as Indian defence minister, was elected to the assembly from Parrikar’s Panaji seat in 2015 in by-election. He retained the seat defeating thus far unconquered Atanasio Monserrate of the UGP by little over 1000 votes.

Kuncalienkar is expected to vacate the Panaji seat for Parrikar, enabling him contest the by-election and become member of the legislative assembly within six months of his appointment. Indian constitution allows a non-member to run the government for maximum six months.

#WATCH: BJP has used money to win power in Manipur and Goa, they stole Governments, says Congress VP Rahul Gandhi in Chandigarh pic.twitter.com/XIffdr0lEH

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2017

MGP and GFP won’t vote themselves out of power

It is highly unlikely that BJP’s new-found partners will vote themselves out of power. All three legislators of the Goa Front are already ministers, two-each among three Maharashtra Gomantak Party (MGP) and thee Independents gave been accommodated in the Manohar Parrikar government as cabinet ministers.
 

BJP claims, it enjoys support of 22 legislators, including its own 13 MLA. It had submitted letters supporting its claim of 21 legislators to Goa Governor Mridula Sinha on Sunday. Since then another Independent legislator Prasad Gaonkar, MLA from Sanguem constituency, has joined the ruling coalition. There are indications that former chief minister and the lone Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator Churchill Alemao, who won South Goa’s Benaulim seat, may also vote in favour of Parrikar government, helping it sail through the floor test ordered by the Supreme Court on Tuesday easily.

Sluggish Congress leadership in contact with MGP and GF: Sources

Sources in the Congress party told IANS on condition of anonymity, that the Congress leadership, which is being accused of acting sluggishly and thereby losing the opportunity to form the government, is now in contact with leaders from the MGP and GF, requesting them to switch over.

The Congress needs only four more MLAs to reach the crucial mark. Sinha on Sunday had granted Parrikar 15 days to prove his majority in the assembly, but the Supreme Court, which was hearing a petition filed by Congress legislative party leader Chandrakant Kavlekar, directed on Tuesday that the floor test should be held without delay on Thursday.

Dayanand Sopte, first MLA to be sworn-in, had defeated ex-CM Parsekar by a record margin

The first MLA to be sworn-in in the Goa Assembly today was Dayanand Sopte, the Congress leader who registered a record win against former CM Laxmikant Parsekar in Mandrem constituency

Here’s how Manohar Parrikar may get to touch the magical figure of 22 in the 40-seat Goa Assembly:

13(BJP) + 3(GFP) + 3(MGP) + 3Independents which adds up to a total of 22 seats.
 

The Congress has 17 seats in the Goa Assembly, four short of majority mark. The party has been unable to enlist the support of non-BJP MLAs.

Both BJP and Congress claim majority

The much awaited floor test of the newly installed Manohar Parrikar-led Goa government is underway. While the BJP which heads the coalition government is confident of surviving the crucial test, considering it continues to enjoy support of its new-found allies, the rival Congress party entered the House still claiming it has the majority by its side.
 

The actual floor test would start after all the newly-elected members of the 40-member assembly are sworn in as legislators.

Keeping the flock together will be Parrikar’s biggest challenge

Proving majority may not be difficult considering eight out of nine leaders who helped BJP garner backdoor majority have been accommodated in the Parrikar cabinet. The Congress party, yet to overcome the loss of the golden opportunity to form the government, has accused BJP of indulging in horse-trading to secure a majority. 

Congress leaders, some of them, confident that Parrikar will lose trust vote

Congress leader Pratap Singh Rane said that the party will prove majority in the floor test. 

“We have the people with us,” he said. Earlier, Goa Congress chief Luizinho Faleiro had expressed his confidence saying, “Congress is united and strong and we will prove our majority in Assembly.”

Oath taking of MLAs underway at Goa assembly. pic.twitter.com/mN83FhrG6i

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2017

WATCH: BJP-led government in Goa headed by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar face floor test today

BJP used money to steal governments of Manipur and Goa: Rahul Gandhi

After Kejriwal and Mulayam allege elections were won by tampering EVMs, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP had “stolen” the election and the allies by buying them out. “BJP ne Manipur aur Goa mein paise ka prayog kiya, sarkaar chori ki hai (BJP has used money to steal the governments of Manipur and Goa).

BJP ne Manipur aur Goa mein paise ka prayog kiya, sarkaar chori ki hai: Congress vice President Rahul Gandhi in Chandigarh (file pic) pic.twitter.com/F8QWIgOzPW

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2017

BJP gave importance to Goa, Congress stabbed its allies in the back: GFP Leader

Leader of the Goa Forward Party, Vijay Sardesai, who is backing the Parrikar government in Goa told News18, “The BJP was quicker. They deemed Goa important enough to send their minister (Parrikar) back from Delhi to Goa.  Now there will be more development here too. This is why we supported the BJP. The Congress has many grand old men all vying for power. They could not have decided a leader and provided stability, so there was no point in going with them. They have backstabbed me twice, tried to scuttle my political plans. Digvijaya Singh is not really responsible for this mess in Congress.”

BJP spent Rs 1,000 crore to lure Goa MLAs: Congress

The Congress claimed that Rs 1,000 crore had been spent on horse-trading and luring non-Congress legislators by the BJP to form a coalition government in Goa earlier this week. “Nothing less than Rs 1,000 crore have been spent by the BJP to lure and buy MLAs over to their side,” All India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretary Girish Chodankar told CNN-News18.

Will walk out if Rahul does not intervene: Congress MLA

After failing to act quickly to form a government in Goa, the Congress now stares at a revolt as a senior legislator said he and other “like-minded lawmakers will be forced to re-think our remaining with the Congress in future”. Senior Congress leader and legislator Vishwajit Rane sought party vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s intervention and action against those he claimed “mishandled” the government-formation fiasco.

“Two days were taken to choose a Congress Legislature Party leader. Those in charge indulged in mismanagement. The Supreme Court also said so. They are experienced people, but they did not know what to do, what step to take to form the government. Parrikar came from Delhi and swiftly spoke to everyone concerned, got the numbers and formed the government,” the Congress legislator from Valpoi was quoted as saying by IANS.

Making absurd allegations and stalling Parliament is not Congress’ role, the should understand: Naidu

Making absurd allegations against BJP and stalling Rajya Sabha for performing its duties, this is what Congress does. People rejected Congress in 2014. Congress should have understood its role as constructive opposition. Now after landslide victory in Assembly elections, Congress should understand its role, Venkaiah Naidu tells CNN-News18.

If Manohar Parrikar wins, the governor stands vindicated or else Congress gets to form govt

All eyes are on Panjim right now where the Goa Legislative Assembly is scheduled to have a floor test on Thursday to see if Manohar Parrikar, recently appointed as the state’s chief minister, can survive a vote of confidence in the House. 

The governor of a state has a unique constitutional role in our system of Westminster style democracy. The role is similar to the president at the Centre. The role of the governor at the end of the day is to ensure that there is a stable government that can pass a budget and ensure supply as without passing a budget the government will stop and only the legislature can raise money. 

So this does not become a point of who is legally authorised to hold office or not, when adjudicating these matters there are many factors at play, the cold hard letter of the law, the changing tides of democracy and the practicality of having to form of a government. So when courts get involved, the results that come out often times don’t always stick to precedent like clockwork.

So while, there may be many legal disputes as to how best a governor should act, sometimes effective and quick rulings are better for a democracy than cold hard letters of the law. The law states that the chief minister is a member of the house, who is appointed by the governor and holds the confidence of the House.   READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

Dissent rises in Congress as Goa leaders appear miffed with high command

Son of veteran Congress leader and former chief minister Pratapsinh Rane, Vishwajeet Rane questioned his party’s “delayed” decision lecting the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader.

“Ideally, the CLP leader should have been elected immediately (after the poll results). Party’s Goa Incharge has done this mismanagement. I will meet Rahul Gandhi before taking any further step. I am hopeful that Rahul ji will give us justice. If he does not respond, then we will feel that we are not in right party and we will take decision after consulting our workers. We will have to quit the Congress if such kind of behaviour continues.”

I am smiling because I am confident Parrikar will lose trust vote: Digvijaya Singh

In an interview with NDTV, Congress leader and in-charge for Goa elections, Digvijaya Singh said that he was confident Parrikar would lose the trust vote. “There is no crisis as far as Goa and Manipur are concerned. The High Command had fully authorised the General Secretaries in charge to take decision and there was no interference.”

Under fire from his own party members for mismanagement, Singh told NDTV, “If you are seeing me smiling, that shows confidence. We will defeat the motion.”

Parrikar’s swearing-in a big scam and media is hand-in-glove: Congress MLA

Trashing Parrikar’s swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, Congress leader Om Prakash Mishra told ANI that the event was a big scam. “This swearing-in ceremony of Manohar Parrikar as the Chief Minister of Goa is a big scam and BJP has resorted to unfair means. Throughout Goa people are protesting as to why the saffron party did such a low act to come to power, and why is the media not showing all this.”

If you have numbers, prove it on floor: Venkaiah Naidu

“In Goa and Manipur Congress could not stake the claim, the Honourable Governor found BJP have numbers to lead the state we were called to form the government. They went to court, even court asked them to prove the numbers, now they are writing blogs. If you have numbers prove it on floors. They are making absurd allegations of horse trading,” says Venkaiah Naidu. 

The BJP had won 13 seats, four less than the Congress which bagged 17 seats in the 40-member House. The BJP will have to prove majority in the Legislative Assembly, as per the directions of the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Failure to cobble up any post-poll alliance hurts Congress leaders

The Congress leaders are still smarting from the failure of the party managers to cobble up any post-poll alliance to attain power, despite emerging as the single largest party in Assembly elections.

Acting swiftly, the BJP which ended up as the second largest party staked the claim to form government.

Goa Congress MLAs miffed with Digvijaya Singh

The anguish of the Congress party MLAs’ seems to be directed at AICC general secretary Digvijaya Singh who has been handling the party affairs in Goa ahead and after elections.

Ahead of the floor test, the Congress refused to comment on their strategy asking people to “wait and watch.” “You wait and watch. I will not comment anything right now,” Congress Legislature Party Leader Chandrakant Kavlekar told PTI. Led by Kavlekar, all the 17 party MLAs had called upon the Governor on Tuesday seeking an invitation to the Congress to form the government, but failed to get any assurance from her.

Governor Mridula Sinha summons first session of new Assembly meet at 11.30 am

Goa Governor Mridula Sinha has summoned the first session of the new Assembly to meet at 11:30am. The MLAs will take oath first, following which the floor test would be conducted.

Meanwhile, speaking to the media Congress MLA Vishwajeet Rane said, “It seems those leaders sent from Delhi never wanted Congress to form government in Goa. Congress should know the kind of mismanagement done by the in-charge of the party who came here from Delhi, which will finish the party.”

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar reaches state assembly, ahead of the floor test at the special session today. pic.twitter.com/wg0buMIP0v

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2017

BJP govt in Goa will last for its full tenure: Parrikar

After being sworn-in as the Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar exuded confidence that his government would be stable and run the full five year term. “Let everyone be very clear that this government will last for its full tenure. I agree the mandate is fractured. But if every fraction of the fractured mandate comes together, we will become 22. This is bringing together post-election coalition and the lead has been taken by regional parties, not me,” he said.

– PTI

GFP, MGP and two Independents helped BJP to take MLA tally to 21

Manohar Parrikar, whose party has 13 MLAs, had staked claim to form the government on Sunday mustering the support of the Goa Forward Party (GFP) and Maharashtravadi Gomantak Party (MGP) besides two Independents, which together took the tally of the combine to 21.

Another Independent MLA had extended his support to the coalition yesterday, raising its number to 22.

Parrikar has support of 22 MLAs – more than halfway mark in the 40-member Goa Assembly

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has to prove majority in the Goa Assembly today. He stepped down as the Defence Minister to return as the chief minister on Tuesday. Parrikar enjoys the support of 22 MLAs, two more than the halfway mark of 20 in the 40-member Assembly. 

The Congress has been crying foul as despite being the single-largest party in the Assembly it failed to cobble up the support of non-BJP MLAs, following which Governor Mridula Sinha gave the BJP the first go at government formation.

Manohar Parrikar becomes Goa chief minister but keeping the flock together will be his biggest challenge

“BJP which enjoyed a clear majority of its own in the outgoing Assembly was reduced to 13 seats as against 17 of the Congress party in the 40-member Goa Assembly. Parrikar and Gadkari seized the opportunity while Congress dithered on selecting its legislative party leader for two days.

Proving majority may not be difficult considering eight out of nine leaders who helped BJP garner backdoor majority have been accommodated in the Parrikar cabinet.

But Parrikar has a tough challenge at hand even after crossing the Thursday floor test as carrying along two regional parties and independents may not be easy. Also, the Congress party would be eyeing to poach on four of them to topple Parrikar government.”

Read full article here

Prime Minister Modi congratulates Parrikar

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Congratulations to @manoharparrikar and his team on being sworn in. My best wishes in taking Goa to new heights of progress.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 14, 2017

Parrikar targets Congress

If you had the support then why did you not go to the Governor?: Manohar Parrikar on Congress pic.twitter.com/T55T6ofL95

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

The support extended to BJP to form govt in Goa is only for Goa's development. No MLA wanted to support Congress : Manohar Parrikar pic.twitter.com/i4LC1IISn1

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Swearing-in ceremony comes to an end in Goa

Manohar Parrikar was sworn-in chief minister while 9 other MLAs were sworn-in as minister.

Another independent Govind Gawde sworn-in minister

Govind Gawde has been elected from the Priol constituency.

Pandurang Madkaikar sworn-in minister 

Former Congressman, who joined the BJP in December 2016, Madkaikar is now a minister in the Parrikar cabinet.

Independent MLA Rohan Khaunte sworn-in minister

Independent MLA from Porvorim constituency, Khaunte created history in Goa politics by successfully retaining his seat,

Other ministers in Parrikar cabinet 

Francis D’Souza is second BJP minister to take oath, who is followed by MGP’s Manohar Ajgaonkar, who until recently was with the Congress.

Manohar Parrikar is now CM

He is followed by Sudin Dhavalikar of the MGP and Vijai Sardesai of the Goa Forward party.

Sudin Dhavalikar takes oath of office and secrecy 

MGP leader Sudin Dhavlikar follows Manohar Parrikar in the order of precedence. He is expected to be the PWD minister.

Manohar Parrikar sworn-in CM

#FLASH Manohar Parrikar takes oath as Chief Minister of Goa pic.twitter.com/NAo8W6Dbui

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari and Venkaiah Naidu among guests

Reports suggest that Manohar Parrikar has also arrived at the Raj Bhavan. Eight other MLAs will also be sworn-in along with him.

Manohar Parrikar to be sworn-in CM shortly

Arun Jaitley on Goa government formation

Congress neither elected a leader nor made a claim in front of the Governor: Arun Jaitley on #Goa govt-formation tussle pic.twitter.com/SjMSv91iNL

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

I think SC has given the right order, BJP is fully confident of getting majority: Arun Jaitley on Goa govt formation tussle pic.twitter.com/YRQIRERnnQ

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Here is why Congress crying foul over Goa crisis is wrong

It can’t be helped if the Congress vice-president chooses to remain in ‘La La Land’ but the party’s charge against BJP and petition in Supreme Court that Governor Mridula Sinha ‘acted in haste’ should be explored from all angles. Did Sinha err in inviting BJP’s chief ministerial candidate to form a government? And how accurate is the claim that a party which finishes second “has no right to form a government”? What are the political, legal and moral aspects of this charge?

Read more here.

Ex-CM Parsekar defends BJP

Speaking to CNN News18, former chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar said that the Congress will fail to prove its majority on the floor of the House on Thursday. He also added that his party used no money power to lure smaller parties. Parsekar, who lost his Mandrem seat, also showed confidence that Independents will back the Parrikar government on Thursday’s floor test.

Floor test on Thursday

The newly-elected Goa Assembly is likely to have its first meeting on Thursday. Floor test will be done after new legislators are administered oath by a pro-tem Speaker.

Arun Jaitley defends BJP on Goa government formation

In his Facebook post, finance minister Arun Jaitley slammed Congress for crying foul over government formation in Goa. Jaitley said, “Goa produced an inconclusive verdict. There was a hung assembly,obviously post-poll alliances will be formed”.

Rajnath Singh responds to Rahul’s allegations

All these allegations (BJP using financial power) are baseless: HM Rajnath Singh on Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/HryIscl9M6

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Faleiro praises Congress president Sonia Gandhi

Sonia ji is a rare example of sacrifice in democratic world, had a chance to be PM twice but she chose Dr.Singh: Luizinho Faleiro,Cong #Goa

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Faleiro’s fervent appeal to smaller parties

So we have told all like minded MLAs and parties that we are ready to sacrifice, please join us:Luizinho Faleiro,Congress #Goa

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Goa Congress chief Luizinho Felerio cries foul 

We wrote to her(Goa Governor) on 12th, we came to the office, but was told as its a holiday its closed: L Falerio,Congress pic.twitter.com/87Ojx7eSFw

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Rahul Gandhi cries foul over Goa and Manipur drama

“They are saying that it is okay for them to misuse the office of the Governor…In the two states where we won, democracy has been undermined by them (BJP) using financial power, money. That is what is happening. The mandate of the people of Goa and Manipur has been stolen by the BJP,” he told reporters outside Parliament.

PTI

Read Arun Jaitley’s post where he expresses his opinion

Arun Jaitley slams Congress, says grandold party has too many complaints

Slamming the Congress party for being a sour loser, Arun Jaitley of te BJP said that the grand old party has got too many complaints. On the ruckus in Lok Sabha today, Jaitley said that since Mallikarjun Kharge has used “strong words” in the House, they should either be expunged or the government be allowed to respond. The Speaker said nothing beyond the questions and answers will be allowed to go on record.

Mallikarjun Kharge has earlier said that democracy is being murdered.

Goa political heat reaches Delhi; Opposition stages walkout in Lok Sabha

Congress and its UPA allies on Tuesday staged a walkout of the Lok Sabha to protest the alleged efforts to install BJP government in Goa and Manipur despite it having the numbers.

Members of Congress, NCP and RJD raised the issue during Question Hour. Congress leader in the House Mallikarjun Kharge claimed that democracy is being murdered.

Meanwhile… Manohar Parrikar refuses to comment on SC verdict

Even as the Congress termed the Supreme Court verdict ordering a floor test in Goa a victory for the party, Manohar Parrikar has chosen to keep mum.

“I will comment after the swearing-in,” Parrikar told reporters in Panaji, when asked to comment on the apex court’s decision to organize a floor test of his government on Thursday.

BJP confident of winning floor test in Goa Assembly

The BJP welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to not stay the swearing-in of Manohar Parrikar as Goa Chief Minister, and claimed it will be able to prove majority on the floor of the House.

“We have the numbers to form the government. We have more than 21 MLAs with us with the support of alliance partners,” Goa BJP unit General Secretary Sadanand Tanawade told reporters in Panaji. – PTI

Renuka Chowdhury puts the blame on Digvijay Singh, says must be removed as Gen Secy

Renuka Chowdhury blamed AICC General Secretary Digvijay Singh for Congress’ failure to form a government in a hung assembly, despite it having the largest numbers.

“How we lost in Goa was stupid,” Chowdhury said, adding that he should be removed as the party’s general secretary. She also sought to defend Rahul Gandhi, stating that the Congress VP trusted state leaders and gave them a free hand, according to CNN-News18.

Goa Governor acted unilaterally, invited BJP to form government: Digvijaya Singh

Congress’ Digvijay Singh, who is under fire from the party’s central leadership said that the Goa Governor Mridula Sinha unilaterally invited the BJP to form the next government in the state, despite a letter by the Congress party to her seeking an invitation to form the government.

“We wanted to stake claim since 12 March. We had even given her a letter by the night of 12 March. She still did not give us time, and went against ’established conventions’ and invited the BJP to form government,” Singh told a press conference in Panaji. – IANS

Goa: Congress MLAs led by senior leader Digvijay Singh reach Governor House in Panaji pic.twitter.com/r6W6dTV0w3

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

All 17 Congress MLAs meet Goa Governor Mridula Sinha in Raj Bhawan.

Victory for Congress: Digvijaya Singh

This is a great victory for us: Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Supreme Court's directive of floor test in #Goa . pic.twitter.com/d6qHxQ7yJZ

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Will Congress get the requisite numbers?

Smarting under the Supreme Court snub, the Congress party tried to put up a brave face by terming the court advancing the floor test as its victory and that Parrikar will be Goa chief minister for just two days. The big question, however, remain whether and where the Congress party will get the requisite numbers to topple the Parrikar government.

All decks cleared for Manohar Parrikar’s swearing-in ceremony

You come at the swearing I will give reaction after swearing in. Come at 5'o clock: Manohar Parrikar on SC directive of floor test in Goa pic.twitter.com/qCab91n65n

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Rahul Gandhi questions the means by which BJP won the UP elections

BJP won elections in UP, I'd like to congratulate them. Why they won it has multiple reasons, one being polarisation: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/H4f4Yx9C61

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Venkaiah Naidu hits back

On Tuesday, responding to the allegations made by the Congress against BJP undermining democracy, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said, “Majority was not received by any parties in Goa and Manipur, other parties gave us support for formation of government.”

Majority was not received by any parties in Goa and Manipur, other parties gave us support for formation of government: Venkaiah Naidu pic.twitter.com/ng2sM94za7

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Our fight is against BJP's ideology, what they did in Manipur & Goa is exactly the ideology we are fighting against: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/vqoR1EiF31

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Out of 5 states, BJP won 2, we won 3. In 2 of the states we won democracy is being undermined by them, using financial power & money: RG pic.twitter.com/bKdeiygPu0

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Rahul Gandhi accuses BJP of undermining democracy
 

On Tuesday, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi interacted with the media and accused the BJP of using financial power and undermining democracy. He said, “We are in opposition, you have ups and downs and we had a little down in UP; we accept it. Our fight is against BJP’s ideology, what they did in Manipur & Goa is exactly the ideology we are fighting against. Out of 5 states, BJP won 2, we won 3. In two of the states we won democracy is being undermined by them, using financial power & money.”

#WATCH: Rahul Gandhi says, "We are in opposition,you have ups & downs, we had a little down in UP, its fine we accept that" #ElectionResults pic.twitter.com/6kj43gXzA1

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Manohar Parrikar is CM of Goa for two days, if BJP can't show majority they won't be allowed to form a government:Abhishek Manu Singhvi pic.twitter.com/YDhUbygZTA

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

SC directs that all pre-requisites for holding floor test be completed by 15 March including the formalities required by Election Commission.

Congress was not able to choose a leader due to their internal tussle and they are blaming us for it: Union Min Nitin Gadkari #Goa pic.twitter.com/6c8gzUplAR

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

There was no horse-trading in Goa,had discussion with non-BJP MLAs they had some conditions; support was unanimous: Union Min Nitin Gadkari pic.twitter.com/xOq75uWKB8

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Supreme Court orders floor test on 16 March (Thursday) at 11 am

The apex court on Tuesday ordered a floor test in Goa Assembly on 16 March at 11 am. The Supreme Court allowed the swearing-in ceremony for Manohar Parrikar as the chief minister on Tuesday at 5 pm.

Supreme Court verdict 

– SC disposes Congress’ petition  

– The apex court refused stay on Manohar Parrikar’s swearing-in ceremony. 

– Floor test to be held on Thursday 11 am.

Goa Govt formation-Senior lawyer Harish Salve is representing Central government; Abhishek Singhvi is representing Congress in SC(file pics) pic.twitter.com/CS4Mh9JXuN

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Supreme Court rules floor test today

The tussle for government formation in Goa reached the Supreme Court, with the state Congress legislative party leader challenging the invitation extended by Governor Mridula Sinha on Sunday to BJP leader Manohar Parrikar to form government. During the hearing on Tuesday, the Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India JS Khehar, ordered an immediate floor test in Goa.

The Supreme Court bench also observed that numbers should determine the single largest party in Goa and the bench asked the Congress why they didn’t approach the governor to stake claim to form the government. The SC also asked the Congress to show the numbers.

Major grounds raised by Congress in their petition

Congress leader Chandrakant Kavlekar’s petition challenging Governor Mridula Sinha’s decision to appoint Manohar Parrikar as Goa Chief Minister, has plunged the state in a new political crisis. The Supreme Court hearing is underway, but here are the major points raised in the petition. 

– The Governor has blatantly violated the Constitution by inviting the BJP to form the Government and has scheduled to administer the oath of office to the unelected Chief Minister

– Governor’s move, a complete “departure from the Sarkaria Commission as well as MM Punchhi commission recommendations, requiring her to invite the single largest party (in this case the Indian National Congress) to form the government, has acted with utmost haste.”

-“The entire object of this hasty late night political maneuvering by the powers that be is to defeat the mandate of the people and to somehow grab power by misusing the office of the Governor.”

Goa govt formation tussle: SC asks Congress why they did not approach the Governor of Goa over govt formation

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Where are the numbers? Supreme Court asks Congress

TV channels report that Supreme Court had more than a few tough words for Congress who moved the apex court challenging Manohar Parrikar’s appointment as the chief minister for Goa. Asking the Congress why did it not first approach the governor with the adequate numbers, the Supreme Court asked the party about the numbers required to form the government. 

Apex Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India Khehar observed that numbers should determine single largest party.

Goa govt formation tussle: During hearing of Congress' petition in SC, they are alleging that BJP is involved in horse trading

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Goa govt formation: During hearing of Cong petition in SC,petitioner alleged that established constitutional practices being violated by BJP

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

During hearing on Cong's petition SC bench headed by CJI Khehar observed that numbers should determine single largest party #Goa (file pic) pic.twitter.com/JgtTSYvVmR

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Governor will meet us at 1.30 pm: Digvijaya Singh

Senior Congress leader  Digvijaya Singh, at a press conference, said that Governor Mridula Sinha will meet “us at 1.30pm, though we wished that she should’ve met us earlier.” 

She said she will meet us at 1.30pm, though we wished that she should've met us earlier: Digvijay Singh on meeting with Governor #Goa pic.twitter.com/reC1ppouYr

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Supreme Court hearing begins

Hearing on Congress’ petition challenging appointment of Manohar Parrikar as Goa chief minister begins in the Supreme Court.  The Congress earlier moved the apex court challenging Goa Governor Mridula Sinha’s decision to appoint BJP leader Manohar Parrikar as the chief minister of the state.

The hurriedly filed petition late on Monday was mentioned at the residence of Chief Justice J S Kehar, who agreed to give an urgent hearing. A special bench would be constituted as the apex court is on Holi break for a week. The petition filed by Goa CLP leader Chandrakant Kavlekar has sought stay on the swearing-in of Parrikar as the chief minister. The petition has also sought quashing of the decision of the governor to appoint Parrikar as the chief minister.

The petition, filed by advocate Devdutt Kamath, is likely to be argued by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi and has made the Centre and Goa as the parties.

#FLASH Hearing on Congress' petition challenging appointment of Manohar Parrikar as Goa CM begins in Supreme Court. pic.twitter.com/CntDRLGlmf

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Governor has to act under Constitution: Digvijaya Singh

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, who has been vocal about Congress’ poor performance in the elections, on Tuesday said that Goa Governor Mridula Sinha must work according to the Constitution. 

In Delhi whn BJP was largest party they were called to form govt but they refused,thats when AAP was invited so AAP-Cong formed govt-D.Singh pic.twitter.com/n3xfIYgTHl

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Single largest party must be called to form govt, Governor has to act under constitution: Digvijay Singh, Cong #Goa pic.twitter.com/3Svm3uAzqZ

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Congress gives adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over issue of government formation in Goa and Manipur: ANI

Despite having 17 seats couldn't form govt,our decision making was slow. There were lapses in decision making: Vishwajit Rane, Cong MLA #Goa pic.twitter.com/WQrhnSGBnH

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh to appear in the case challenging appointment of Manohar Parrikar as Goa CM in Supreme Court

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Goa headed for President’s Rule?

Eyes are fixed on how the apex court views this development and whether inviting Manohar Parrikar to form the new government can be held legitimate by it when it takes up for hearing a petition filed by the newly elected Congress legislative party leader Chandrakant Kavlekar. Chief Justice JS Khehar agreed to set up a special bench which will hear the petition at 10.30 am.

The Congress party is seeking cancellation of the gubernatorial invite to Parrikar. Parrikar along with an assorted Cabinet is scheduled to be sworn-in Tuesday evening.

Depending upon which way the apex court views the Goa development, there is a strong possibility that Goa may be headed for a brief spell of President’s Rule since the new Assembly must be constituted before 18 March.

Goa Congress to meet Governor, to stake claim to form the next govt

The Congress Legislative Party will meet Governor Mridula Sinha on Tuesday to stake claim to form the next government in Goa, stating that they have adequate numbers on their side. “We are holding a Congress Legislative Party meeting in the morning and then will be meeting the Governor at 10.00 AM to stake claim to form the next government.

“We have adequate numbers. We are the single largest party and we should be invited to form the government,” CLP leader Chandrakant Kavlekar told PTI.

Opportunism at its lowest: Congress slams BJP

The Congress urged Governor Mridula Sinha to invite the party to form the next government by virtue of being the single largest party, a day ahead of swearing-in of BJP leader Manohar Parrikar as Chief Minister. In a memorandum submitted to the Governor tonight, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) claimed to have the requisite support and that they can prove the same on the floor of the House.

“Despite losing the mandate of the people, our political opponents (BJP) have tried to misrepresent to your good-self that they enjoy the majority support of legislators. This is not only opportunism at its lowest but is also not constitutionally permissible,” Goa CLP Leader Chandrakant Kavlekar stated in the memorandum.

Quick recap of how events unfolded in Goa post election

BJP pulled off a midnight coup in Goa and staked claim to form the next government under Manohar Parrikar despite emerging as the second largest party behind Congress in a fractured mandate.

Enlisting the support of two independents, three members each of the Goa Forward Party (GFP) and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and that of the lone NCP member, the BJP members  led by the defence minister called upon Governor Mridula Sinha on Sunday evening and formally staked the government formation claim.

On Monday, Parrikar quit as the defence minister and reports said that the swearing-in ceremony will be held at 5.30 pm in Panaji. Congress leaders lambasted the BJP leadership for a move which was “unconstitutional”. Former finance minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram accused the BJP of “stealing” the elections in Goa and Manipur. 

In a counter-move, Congress, late on Monday moved the Supreme Court challenging Goa Governor Mridula Sinha’s decision to appoint BJP leader Manohar Parrikar as the chief minister of the state. The hurriedly filed petition on Monday evening was mentioned at the residence of Chief Justice J S Kehar, who agreed to give an urgent hearing today.

Congress files a hurried petition on Monday at chief justice’s residence

The Congress moved the Supreme Court on Monday challenging Goa Governor Mridula Sinha’s decision to appoint BJP leader Manohar Parrikar as the chief minister of the state. The hurriedly filed petition late on Monday evening was mentioned at the residence of Chief Justice J S Kehar, who agreed to give an urgent hearing today.

A special bench would be constituted as the apex court is on Holi break for a week. The petition filed by Goa CLP leader Chandrakant Kavlekar has sought stay on the swearing-in of Parrikar as the chief minister. The petition has also sought quashing of the decision of the governor to appoint Parrikar as the chief minister.

The petition, filed by advocate Devdutt Kamath, is likely to be argued by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi and has made the Centre and Goa as the parties.

SC to hear Congress plea against Goa governor’s invitation to BJP

A day after the Congress alleged that the BJP ‘stole’ the elections in Goa and Manipur, Supreme Court on Tuesday will hear the party’s plea challenging Goa Governor Mridula Sinha’s invitation to Manohar Parrikar to form the government in Goa. 

The Congress, which won 17 seats in the 40-member Goa assembly, on Monday night moved the Supreme Court challenging Governor Sinha’s decision to invite the 13-MLA BJP, led by Parrikar, to form government, claiming that it violated the “established constitutional practice” of inviting the single-largest party in a hung Assembly. Chief Justice J S Khehar agreed to set up a special bench on Tuesday for an urgent hearing as the court is closed for a week for Holi, The Times of India reported.

Congress MLAs to quit?

India Today reports that Valpoi MLA Vishwajit Rane along with many other MLAs are all set to quit the Congress over its inability to form the government despite emerging as the single largest party in the state. The son of former chief minister Pratapsingh Rane, Vishwajit has blamed the Delhi-based leaders for teh unexpected debacle.

Manohar Parrikar resigns as defence minister

Manohar Parrikar resigns as Defence Minister, to take oath as Goa Chief Minister tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/sALGKEDKge

— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2017

12 member ministry to be sworn-in tomorrow

While five members of the cainet will be be from the BJP, two each will be from MGP and Goa Forward party. Two Independents will also take oath along with them, reports India Today.

Manohar Parrikar to take oath tomorrow 

Manohar Parrikar to take oath as Goa Chief Minister tomorrow at 5 pm (file pic) pic.twitter.com/LADfoZDdT3

— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2017

Lalu Prasad Yadav on Goa mandate

Mandate is fractured, but Congress could not stake claim to form Govt,neither they were able to elect a legislative leader:Lalu Yadav on Goa pic.twitter.com/8iDb5IGs63

— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2017

Senior journalist Shiv Aroor tweets on names of possible next defence minister

Names doing rounds for Defence Minister (strictly in journo-rumour circles):
Suresh Prabhu
Gadkari
Jaitley Addl.
PM himself
Doval
Om Mathur

— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) March 12, 2017

Sudin Dhavlikar to be new deputy CM

MGP leader Sudin Dhavlikar is all set to be the new deputy chief minister succeeding Francis D’souza. MGP, which bagged three seats, had extended its support on the condition that Parrikar be the chief minister.

Manohar Parrikar to contest from Mapusa 

Parrikar may contest the bypoll from Mapusa seat, which has to be vacated by former deputy chief minister Francis D’Souza. Parrikar is not yet a member of the legislative assembly and has to contest a poll in the next six months. According to India Today, D’Souza may be accommodated in the Rajya Sabha.

Manohar Parrikar appointed CM

Capping the day of fast-paced developments, Goa Governor Mridula Sinha on Sunday night appointed defence minister Manohar Parrikar, the BJP Legislature, Party leader, as the chief minister and asked him to prove majority on floor of House within 15 days of taking oath.

PTI

Nitin Gadkari takes a dig on Digvijay Singh, says party making false allegations

Jo apni bahumat ke liye anya parties ko apne saath nahin le sake, wo failure ko chupaane ke liye jhoothey aarop karte hain: Nitin Gadkari pic.twitter.com/XHSnPImhDJ

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

Handling defence ministry was difficult: Manohar Parrikar | ANI

Definitely it was difficult as it was a new department (Def Min) but I am happy no corruption allegation levelled on our Govt: M Parrikar pic.twitter.com/jMp5qqiRMQ

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

We met the Governor, expecting an invitation: Manohar Parrikar | ANI

We met the Governor, expecting an invitation.Once we receive it,we will consult our colleagues and decide the date for swearing in: Parrikar pic.twitter.com/r3mpCAMLdp

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

This is a mandate given by people: Manohar Parrikar

This is a mandate given by the people, though we fell short of majority. Together we have completed the magic figure of 21: Manohar Parrikar pic.twitter.com/2dIy4ANPng

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

#LIVE - I thank senior BJP leaders for showing trust in me: @manoharparrikar

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 12, 2017

Manohar Parrikar thanks MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar, Independent MLA Govind Gawade, Goa Forward president Vijai Sardesai for their support to BJP.

#LIVE - We have presented the letter to the govt where 21 MLAs have signed: @nitin_gadkari

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 12, 2017

Parrikar has party, Amit Shah’s support: Nitin Gadkari

Nitin Gadkari, during a press conference said that the BJP Parliamentary Board, party president Amit Shah are ready to make Manohar Parrikar as the chief minister of Goa. He clarified that he has not resigned as the defence minister yet. Depending on the governor’s decision, Parrikar will resign as the defence minister before taking oath as CM.

MGP wants Parrikar back in Goa

Earlier reports suggested that BJP’s former ally MGP would back the party if Manohar Parrikar comes back to Goa. 

“MGP unanimously passed a resolution that it will extend support to BJP if they recall Parrikar from the Centre to the state and appoint him chief minister,” MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar told PTI. “The resolution is very clear. MGP will support BJP only if Parrikar is made chief minister. Our support is not to BJP but to Parrikar,” he added.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to ANI as he leaves Governor House in Goa: I have not resigned yet pic.twitter.com/lXTiEw76Q0

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to hold a press conference in Goa shortly pic.twitter.com/qNDWUQXmVK

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

Panaji: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar with BJP, MGP, Goa Forward Party and 3 Independent MLAs pic.twitter.com/GeoGZ2VuG5

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

We will evolve a Common Minimum programme within 1 month of formation of Government: Vijay Sardesai,Goa Forward Party on any conditions set pic.twitter.com/c2705OsYZ0

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

Manohar Parrikar with BJP MLAs, 3 MGP MLAs,3 Goa Forward Party MLAs& 3 other Independent MLAs met Goa Guv & staked claim to form government.

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

Manohar Parrikar with BJP MLAs, 3 MGP MLAs,3 Goa Forward Party MLAs& 3 other Independent MLAs met Goa Guv & staked claim to form government.

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

Manohar Parrikar resigns as defence minister

According to CNN-News 18, Manohar Parrikar resigned as defence minister and he is on his way to meet the governor of Goa and form the next government.

We have decided to support BJP to form the Govt under leadership of Manohar Parrikar:Vijay Sardesai,Goa Forward Party #Goa pic.twitter.com/aIPVdd4VOT

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

#BREAKING - Manohar Parikkar to stake claim for government in Goa. Parrikar claims that he has the support of 22 MLA

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 12, 2017

Online petition urges Goa Forward party to shun BJP

As both the BJP and Congress in Goa hold talks with regional parties for formation of a coalition, an online petition on Sunday asked the Goa Forward to shun any tie-up with the BJP.

The petition signed by Goa Forward supporter David Aguiar said many of the BJP’s controversial decisions, like increasing the number of casinos, de-classification of coconut trees and nationalisation of rivers, were opposed by the Goa Forward.

“All these (decisions) were opposed by you when in the opposition. We humbly request you not to align with the BJP as it will disappoint all of us,” the petition said.

The petition, addressed to Goa Forward President Prabhakar Timble and founder-member Vijai Sardesai, has been signed by 213 persons within hours after it was released online.
 

IANS

Partywise vote share

BJP Catholic MLAs appeal to regional parties 

Seven Catholic MLAs of the BJP on Sunday made a public plea to the regional parties and Independent legislators to support the party in government formation in Goa.

BJP MLA Michael Lobo said: “We seven members of minority are appealing to Goa Forward, MGP and Independents to support us and form a stable government in Goa.”

For the first time, the number of Catholic legislators in the BJP has outnumbered Hindus, with seven legislators elected to the assembly in the 4 February election.

IANS

Fielding minorities worked for BJP

BJP’s strategy to field eight Catholic candidates in Goa seems to have worked well for it. Although it won only 13 seats in the new 40-member Assembly, most of its Catholic candidates won their seats and one, Arthur D’Silva, came second in the Curtolim constituency. The party has earned a lot of flak for fielding no Muslims in Uttar Pradesh and in several other states in the recent past. However, it adopted a different strategy in Goa with regard to minorities.

All eyes on smaller parties 

With Goa throwing up a fractured mandate, leaders of smaller parties, who have turned kingmakers, have turned cautious even as both the Congress and the BJP desperately woo them. 

“We will have to strategise. How can we jump into anything? Coalition talks will happen in their own time,” Dhavalikar said, even as political sources told IANS that the MGP leadership, including Dhavalikar, was in touch with both Congress and BJP leaders. 

Sudin Dhavalikar and his brother Deepak were ministers in the BJP-led coalition government for a good part of the last five years but were sacked by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar two months before the 4 February polls were announced after both brothers criticised his leadership.  

IANS

‘My sympathies for Manohar Parrikar’

Digvijaya Singh, in his Facebook post, thanked the Goa voters and wrote that “We have learnt our lesson and mistakes made in 2007-12 won’t be repeated. We shall deliver the promises made in a time frame.” He also wrote: “My sympathies for Manohar Parrikar. But give him credit for his never say die spirit.” 

Goa BJP MLAs pass resolution seeking Amit Shah’s nod to elect Manohar Parrikar as state legislature party leader: MLA Michael Lobo

People want Manohar Parrikar back in Goa: BJP MLA 

Three of the BJP’s newly elected MLAs today rooted for Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to take the lead to form government in Goa, if the smaller parties back it.

“The people want Parrikar to come back to Goa. Now it will depend on the Goa Forward Party and MGP. If they support us, we will form the government in the state,” said BJP legislator Michael Lobo, who got elected from Calangute constituency. He said if the GFP and MGP pledge support, the BJP can submit a letter to Goa Governor Mridula Sinha staking claim to form the state government. 

PTI

MGP to support BJP if Parrikar made CM

MGP ready to extend support to BJP in Goa if Manohar Parrikar is the leader: Sudin Dhavalikar.

PTI

AAP’s sound and fury fizzled miserably

The lesson from the Goa Assembly election results is that sound and fury are not enough to counter deep political roots. People would rather trust power to those with a record of governance, even when such parties have disappointed in the recent past. The Aam Aadmi Party was the most visible during the campaign, but the relatively new party fared quite miserably. The traditional parties of governance in Goa — the Congress and the BJP, fared relatively well even though people in general had been disappointed with their performances. 

The biggest gainers from that general sense of ennui with the established parties were Independents and small parties — particularly candidates who have performed well.

Read the full analysis here .

Go ahead if you (BJP) have support of more than 21,we're ready to sit in opposition but its coup against people's mandate: D.Singh Cong #Goa pic.twitter.com/GBLWX4Zaza

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

We are in touch with non-BJP MLAs, we are confident we have have number on our side: Digvijay Singh, Congress on Goa pic.twitter.com/QgrA82Ux9y

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

Is this a party of morals? They've been defeated & doing horse-trading, promising ministries like distributing sweets: D.Singh on BJP #Goa pic.twitter.com/q75rSovOh1

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

Nitish Kumar wishes Congress on performance in Goa, Punjab and Manipur

​

Congratulate Congress for victory in Punjab.Also appreciate that Congress turned out to be largest party in Manipur& Goa elections: Bihar CM

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

Parrikar back as CM?

Media reports suggest that defence minster Manohar Parrikar may be elected as Goa chief minister in order to woo the smaller parties to join the alliance. With BJP stuck at 13 seats, it needs 8 more MLAs to form the government. It is to be noted that Parrikar had formed the government in 2000 with just 10 MLAs.

Hectic parleys going on to form next government 

While the Congress has won 17 seats and is just four short of a majority in the Goa Assembly, the BJP too has is set to stake claim to retain the state. BJP which has won 13 seats is reportedly wooing parties like Goa Forward, MGP and two independents to form the next government.

Updates for 12 March begin

Final tally 

Congress – 17 
BJP – 13 
NCP – 1 
MGP – 3 
Goa Forward – 3 
Independents – 3 
Total – 40

We don't try to pass on the buck; we all responsible for fractured mandate: Manohar Parrikar, BJP on #GoaElectionResults pic.twitter.com/uGDjehQnLW

— ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2017

Party will stake claim if it gets enough support: Manohar Parrikar, BJP on #GoaElectionResults pic.twitter.com/29bitbFeoA

— ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2017

#ResultsWithNews18 | Will do whatever party decides. Mandate is fractured. No one has the majority: @manoharparrikar on Goa verdict

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 11, 2017

#ResultsWithNews18 | In terms of percentage, We have got 5% more votes than Congress, says @manoharparrikar on fractured verdict in Goa

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 11, 2017

Accept people’s mandate: Parsekar

Laxmikant Parsekar, who addressed a press conference, along with Manohar Parrikar said that though the number of seats are a little less than Congress, the voting percentage of BJP is 33% and Congress is 28%. “We have provided a stable government in Goa. The coming term would again witness instability, the track record of development will receive a severe and serious setback and Goa will be pushed back at least by 10 years. But it is people’s mandate and we have accepted it,” he said.

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh talks to Firstpost about the Goa mandate

http://www.firstpost.com/politics/congress-leade…he-goa-mandate-3329910.html/embed ᐧ

#FLASH Laxmikant Parsekar submits resignation to Governor from position of Goa CM (File pic) pic.twitter.com/xXeC48zbSf

— ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2017

Here’s how the smaller parties fared 

Goa Forward Party (GFP), floated just a year ago, emerged a force to reckon with, winning three seats – Fatorda, Siolim and Saligao. GFP candidates defeated two BJP ministers Dayanand Mandrekar (Siolim) and Dilip Parulekar (Saligao). 

MGP won in three constituencies, but lost two sitting seats Ponda — represented by Lavoo Mamlatdar — and Priol from where party President Dipak Dhavalikar was elected last time. The party retained Madkai, where its leader Sudin Dhavalikar won with a margin of more than 10,000 votes. It also won Pernem where its candidate Manohar Asgaonkar defeated BJP Minister Rajendra Arlekar and Sanvordem where its nominee Dipak Pawaskar trounced BJP’s sitting MLA Ganesh Gaonkar.

PTI

Feni is getting upset

This is starting to get tension men. It’s Saturday and Feni got big plans. That bugger Peter from Porvorim has party at his place and all the chicks are gonna be there men. But bleddy if counting doesn’t end, how will Feni go for party? Must tell these idiots to hurry up.

Digvijaya Singh talks about Congress’ win in Goa

Congress, BJP neck and neck

The mood in both the party offices — BJP and Congress — was grim as the state witnessed a neck and neck fight. While the Congress headquarters remained quiet with the prominent leaders keeping a close eye on the results, the BJP office in Goa had installed a giant screen outside the party office to keep a track of the mandate. However, the party bigwigs of the state unit was missing from the scene. 

The members of Congress Goa unit are likely to meet at 6 pm to decide the future course of action.

#ResultsWithNews18 | #ElectionResults for #Goa.
Info: @smitharnair pic.twitter.com/X1bKwW1lu9

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 11, 2017

Digambar Kamat credits party workers for win

Former Goa Chief Minister and veteran Congressman Digambar Kamat, who won from Margao constituency, credited his party workers for the victory.

“I attribute my victory to all my party workers who stood by me and reposed their faith in me,” Kamat told reporters outside the counting centre here in South Goa.

Kamat further added, “The BJP-led government tried to harass me. They filed fake cases against me. They tried to jail me. Only God protected me.”

The 63-year-old leader was at helm of affairs in Goa from 2007-12. He was booked by Goa Crime Branch in the multi-crore Louis bribery case in 2015 along with his former cabinet colleague Churchill Alemao. 

PTI

Counting is tough bizness bugger

What men you talk like you can count like Einstein bugger. Bleddy nobody could count anything in school. Half the idiots failed Maths in school men. And dis is fancy EVM, that bugger Elroy can’t even switch on his mobile phone. What he will count.

Goa Forward party may emerge as the kingmaker

Potential Goa kingmaker Vijay Sardesai of Goa Forward party, which one three seats tells CNN-News 18, “Congress can’t take us for granted, we’ll support them. Need to see how our party can grow.  Will take stock of final numbers this evening." 

#ResultsWithNews18 -- This is a victory of the people. Will form government in Manipur and Goa too: @AmitShah #ElectionResults

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 11, 2017

Manohar Parrikar’s name, Narendra Modi’s image were not enough for BJP to win majority

The best scenario for BJP was to send back Parrikar to Goa and officially name him as the chief ministerial candidate. The party refused to read the writing on the wall, just hoping that by using Parrikar’s name and Modi’s image, the party to emerge victorious.

Ironically, the thrust of Modi’s 28 January Goa rally was stability. He urged Goa voters to give BJP big majority to avoid fractured mandate and plunge Goa into political uncertainties of the past. Goa voters had none of it as they appear to have given a fractured majority.

Read more here.

MGP leader Sudin Dhavlikar wins from Marcaim 

MGP leader and former minister Sudin Dhavlikar has won from the Marcaim seat by a margin of over 13,000 votes, defeating BJP’s Pradeep Sheth.

Latest update on the results

#ResultsWithNews18 @INCIndia and @BJP4India face off in #Goa #ElectionResults LIVE: https://t.co/cUvn1Vikji pic.twitter.com/DOM7WCELdO

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 11, 2017

BJP loses Punjab, fails to win majority in Goa; Dr Harshvardhan still targets AAP

Having been rejected by the people of Goa and Punjab, AAP will return with their lies concealed as promises and recycle them here in Delhi.

— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) March 11, 2017

Rahul Roushan’s take on faulty EVMs

​

Independents have got more votes than AAP in Goa. Can we trust the EVMs?

— Rahul Roushan (@rahulroushan) March 11, 2017

The seat trajectory in Goa

Crorepati netas in Goa

Nearly 90% of declared winners in Goa are crorepatis. https://t.co/iqDLPQi5OD #ElectionResults @htTweets pic.twitter.com/FbYOs8XapE

— Harry Stevens (@Harry_Stevens) March 11, 2017

Tourism minister Dilip Parulekar loses from Saligao

Parulekar lost in Saligao, fighting against Goa Forward Party’s Jayesh Salgaonkar, by a margin of 2137 votes.

Election results right now

Goa #ElectionResults: BJP wins 8, INC 8, NCP 1, MGP 1, GFP 3

— ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2017

CM will be from Congress: Digvijaya Singh

Digvijaya Singh has said that the Congress party will make every effort form the next government by joining hands with other parties (MGP and GF) in case of a hung Assembly in Goa. He further said that the party will conduct a meeting in the evening and take the final call. He added that in case of an alliance, the CM will still be from the Congress party. 

Goa setting new standards

Feni was about to nicely have a nap, when that Elroy came back. Ringing bells loudly and all. Feni aksed him why he’s such a stupid fellow. Elroy said he went to a counting centre and this is how fast it was going. Shameless b*ggers.

Congress candidate and former CM Digambar Kamat wins from Margao 

#ResultsWithNews18 @INCIndia's Digambar Kamat wins from Margao in #Goa #ElectionResults LIVE: https://t.co/cUvn1Vikji pic.twitter.com/kgPunGdPWg

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 11, 2017

Goa heading for a hung Assembly 

Here’s a quick recap of what has unfolded so far in Goa: 

Goa is headed for a hung Assembly with the Congress in the lead.

The ruling BJP suffered a major blow when Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar was defeated by Dayanand Sopte of the Congress at Mandrem by nearly 5,000 votes. 

At Poriem, former chief minister and Congress candidate Pratapsingh Rane defeated his BJP rival Vishwajit K Rane. 

BJP candidates won from Mapusa, Bicholim and Mayem and led in other four seats. 

The Mapusa victor was deputy chief minister Francis D’Souza, who defeated his MGP rival Vinod Phadke by 6,828 votes. 

NCP’s Churchill Alemao won from Benaulim.

The Goa Forward and the MGP won one seat each. 

AAP could not win a single seat.

The same was the case with Subhash Velinkar-led GSM.

Congress likely to get into an alliance with NCP, MGP and Goa Forward

National general secretary Digvijaya Singh is likely to hold a party meeting at 6 pm today. Congress in Goa is likely to form the new government and get into an alliance with the NCP, MGP and Goa Forward.

Celebrations at the Goa Congress party office

http://www.firstpost.com/politics/giant-killer-dayanand-sopte-arrives-at-congress-office-after-defeating-cm-laxmikant-parsekar-3329308.html/embed

#ResultsWithNews18 -- @INCIndia is leading in 11 seats in #Goa, the BJP in 7 and Others in 7#ElectionResults LIVE: https://t.co/cUvn1Vikji pic.twitter.com/zsludBS1UJ

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 11, 2017

‘It was very easy defeating the CM’

“It was very easy defeating the chief minister,” said Congress candidate Dayanand Sopte at the GPCC office to seek blessings from national general secretary Digvijaya Singh. 

Goa Forward candidate Vinod Palyekar defeats BJP candidate and state minister Dayanand Mandrekar in Siolim constituency.

Counting in progress. MGP’s Deepak Madhav Dhavalikar is trailing behind Independent candidate Govind Gaude in Priol.

Big upsets in Goa

Victory for BJP in two seats

BJP candidates — Pravin Zantye and Michael Lobo — emerged victorious in Mayem and Calangute seats respectively. While Zantye defeated Congress rival Santosh Sawant by 4,974 votes, Lobo won by 4,460 votes against Congress candidate Joseph Sequeira.

Congress’s Francis Silveira bagged the St Andre constituency. He got the better of BJP’s Ramrao Wagh by a margin of 5,070 votes.

PTI

Neck and neck fight between Congress and BJP 

Congress leads in 8 seats, BJP in 5 

The Congress was leading in eight seats in Goa and the ruling BJP in five of the 40 constituencies in the state after the first three hours of counting of votes. While Goa Forward Party has gained lead in two seats, NCP leads in one. The MGP is ahead in Bicholim seat as well, with its candidate Naresh Sawal mantaining lead over BJP’s Rajesh Patnekar. 

PTI

Former Goa CM and Congress leader Pratapsingh Rane wins from Poriem constituency #ElectionResults pic.twitter.com/mXXebynTNZ

— ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2017

Goa CM Laxmikant Parsekar has lost the Mandrem seat

Laxmikand Parsekar was defeated by Congress party’s Dayanand Sopte, once a close confidant of Parsekar. Sopte had defected from the BJP and was rewarded with nomination by the Congress. Sopte has now won by a margin of 3,500 votes.

Trajectory of leads

Goa BJP installs giant screen for instant updates

Curbing money power a major issue in Goa: Goa’s Chief Electoral Officer

http://www.firstpost.com/politics/firstpost-talks-to-goas-chief-electoral-officer-3328992.html/embed

MGP-Congress alliance on cards?

Only possibility MGP can align with the Congress party is if Pratapsingh Rane is elected as it’s legislative party leader. Rane enjoys very good personal rapport with MGP leader Ramkrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavalikar.

MGP coming together with BJP? 

MGP has already announced that it will join hands with a like-minded party in case a hung assembly is elected in Goa, without naming BJP, though both parties are seen as pro-Hindu.

It’s neck-and-neck now 

#ResultsWithNews18 -- close fight between @INCIndia and @BJP4India in #Goa #ElectionResults LIVE: https://t.co/cUvn1Vikji pic.twitter.com/UkzpiMG98i

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 11, 2017

Francis D’Souza wins from Mapusa 

Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza wins from Mapusa constituency by a margin of over 6,000 votes.

Goa heading towards a hung Assembly. Is it Sudin’s chance to be CM?

Sudin Dhavalikar’s only chance of becoming chief minister hangs on hope that his party wins more than 10 seats and Goa gives a badly fractured mandate. However, with the MGP leading in just one seat, the road looks difficult for him now.

Disastrous debut for Elvis Gomes

AAP CM candidate for Goa Elvis Gomes currently at third position in Cuncolim, Congress first, Independent second. #ElectionResults pic.twitter.com/KndXlzxN0N

— ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2017

AAP faces a disastrous debut 

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is headed for a disastrous debut in Goa. The party that claimed it will sweep Goa polls, is trailing in all seats it contested, including its chief ministerial candidate Elvis Gomes in Cuncolim seat.

Scene from Goa Pradesh Congress Committee

Former CM Pratapsingh Rane leading in Poreim 

Former Goa chief minister Pratapsingh Rane is leading in Poriem constituency. Rane has served as Goa chief minister for six terms and is among the strong contenders to become chief minister for the seventh time if his Congress party finds itself in a position to form the new government.

As of now, Goa appears to be headed for electing a hung assembly.

Party-wise vote share (for first 20 seats)

No one knows anything

Now say ‘hung Assembly’, b*gger. Now say it. Since when Feni was asking, “What hung Assembly?”, but no one listens only.

More on Francis D’Souza

D’Souza’s victory may strengthen his claim to become first Christian chief minister from BJP’s ranks. His claim was overlooked in favour of Laxmikant Parsekar when Manohar Parrikar stepped down as Goa chief minister in 2014.

Deputy CM Francis D’Souza leading in Mapusa

Goa Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza leading in Mapusa constituency. He has remained undefeated here since he won this North Goa seat first in 1999.

Election Commission up with data for 20 seats

Latest trends in Goa

Latest trends from Goa: Congress-7, BJP-5, MAG-2, NCP-1, Others-2 pic.twitter.com/HBeYK7yHJJ

— ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2017

Congress relishing Parsekar’s trouncing 

In the GPCC office. The vice president Sheikh along with other party members are closely monitoring the numbers. They’re ecstatic that the CM is trailing in his constituency.