Panaji: With Group of Six legislators led by Goa Forward Party leader Vijai Sardesai remaining together, Congress will now have to bank on Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) to get the magical figure of 21 in State Legislative Assembly.
Congress party has already claimed that they have required 21 legislators with them, which means it is likely that they have already explored that option.
If one looks at the numbers on the floor of the House, Congress has 16 and they would require at least four more to touch the 20 mark.
NCP legislator Churchill Alemao seems to be inclined towards Congress taking them to 17.
Amongst the rest three each from GFP and Independents have grouped together and has vowed support to BJP. This means, Congress is left only with MGP as an alternative to form the government.
While Congress leaders publicly refuse to have started dialogue with MGP, Sudin Dhavalikar in the recent past during a press conference had admitted that he was getting proposals from Rahul Gandhi-led party.
With the support of MGP, the Congress can touch 20 and other camp will have similar number but Speaker can vote only if there is a tie. This means, BJP-led coalition will be left with 19 legislators.
Moreover, considering the health of two ministers – Pandurang Madkaikar and Francis D’Souza – the number of ruling coalition will go down to 18 (including Speaker) which will give better edge to Congress.
