Team Herald

PANJIM: The Congress is closely monitoring the political developments taking shape within the ruling coalition in the wake of ill health of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.

Congress MLAs led by Chandrakant Kavalekar on Monday held a meeting to discuss the political situation and more importantly to ensure that there is no dissent within the party. The meeting was to keep its MLAs intact, amidst rumours that two legislators are in contact with BJP.

At the same time, the party has also begun process to “fish” non-Congress MLAs in a bid to prove its majority.

Parrikar, 62, was flown to Goa on Sunday from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi where he was admitted for treatment of his pancreatic ailment. He is currently undergoing treatment at his private residence at Dona Paula.

Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavalekar said the meeting was of informal nature wherein majority of the legislators attended.

“The Congress Legislative Party (CLP) reiterated that they are intact as a group and are in a position to garner the required numbers if the Governor allows them to prove their majority on the floor of the House,” Kavalekar said.

The legislators ruled out the rumours about split in the CLP, he said. Kavalekar said that the Congress party is closely monitoring the political developments in the State. “We are keeping a close watch on the developments that are taking shape,” he said. 

Sources in CLP said two MLAs are in touch with BJP and may resign from the party. 

“We are also trying to reach out to MGP and Independents like Govind Gaude and Prasad Gaonkar,” sources said.