PANJIM: Maintaining that the decision to drop the allies from the Cabinet was as per instructions from party’s Central leadership, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant refuted the charge that they cheated their coalition partners.

Goa Forward Party (GFP) Chief Vijai Sardesai, during a protest meet held at late Manohar Parrikar’s Samadhi at Miramar, charged that they feel cheated by the NDA, who ditched their partners.

“We have not cheated anyone. We have taken the decision as per directions from the Central leadership. I approached our Central leaders with a say that BJP now has full majority with 27 MLAs. When we have 27 MLAs within BJP, what we should do,” Sawant said.

Refusing to comment on the allegation that coalition partners were involved in arm-twisting, Chief Minister said “I don’t want to blame anyone…I just wanted to streamline the administration”.

“Now we will be giving people the government of Goenkarponn. Our government will work for Goans and Goenkarponn,” he maintained.

Responding to the question on whether there was really a need for inducting 10 Congress MLAs, Sawant said anyone, who wants to support the party in ruling, unconditionally, then there is no point in saying no.

“Every leader wants to ensure stability of his government and I also did the same thing,” he said.