Cong fears Assembly dissolution and polls under Parrikar as caretaker CM

PANJIM: Expressing fear that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar may opt for the dissolution of the Assembly on the basis of a cabinet decision, as done by him earlier in 2002, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) on Wednesday wrote to the Governor cautioning her in advance and asking her to verify from cabinet members the veracity of such a resolution if it is taken.

GPCC also said that is not in favour of early elections and would oppose it as Parrikar may opt for dissolution of the Assembly and continue as caretaker Chief Minister and try to hold State Legislative Elections along with Lok Sabha.

Addressing the media, GPCC President Girish Chodankar said, “Goa is presently passing through a fluid political situation. With ailing ministers, the government led by Parrikar is in minority and is struggling with its allies and intra-party politics within the coalition. Parrikar is struggling with his own health issues and has not resumed office since his return from the USA. Due to this, it is evident that the CM is losing his grip over allies and also his own party. As a result, the administration has completely collapsed.”

He added, “Goa is literally in a ‘State of Emergency’ created by the ruling coalition due to the adamant attitude of Parrikar not to step down and provide a viable alternative. In this situation, the fear is that Chief Minister Parrikar may opt out for dissolution of the Assembly and continue as a caretaker Chief Minister till fresh Assembly elections are held, without any hassles created by his allies and party men.”

He further said that the fear is not a mere hypothesis as Parrikar had dissolved the Assembly in 2002, when a similar situation of uncertainty had arisen.

“We fear that Parrikar may repeat the same drama and continue for the period of six months till the Assembly election is declared along with the forthcoming Parliamentary elections next year.  We request the Governor to verify the veracity of a resolution to recommend dissolution of the Assembly, in case it is placed before her, because majority of the MLAs of the existing Assembly are not in support of fresh elections, including those sitting on the ruling benches,” Chodankar said.

GPCC said that the Congress with all its strength and democratic tools at its disposal would oppose any move to dissolve the Assembly illegally and by using faulty means.