Cong. issues notice in Lok Sabha over govt. formation in Goa, Manipur

The Congress on Tuesday issued an adjournment notice in the Lok Sabha over the formation of government in Goa and Manipur.

Meanwhile, even as the Supreme Court is set to hear the Congress' petition challenging the appointment of Manohar Parrikar as Goa Chief Minister today, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh-led delegation will meet Governor Mridula Sinha, a day after she issued a letter to officially appoint Parrikar as the CM. The swearing-in ceremony was slated to be held in Panaji at 5 p.m. today.

Earlier, in a dramatic development, the Congress had moved the apex court against Governor Sinha's decision, despite the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging as the second largest party.

The petition filed by Goa Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Chandrakant Kavlekar had sought stay on the swearing-in of Parrikar as the chief minister.

The Congress claimed that the Governor should have invited them to form the government, as they are the single largest party with 17 seats.

The petition for urgent hearing was mentioned before Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar.

President Pranab Mukherjee, as advised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accepted Parrikar's resignation as Union Defence Minister, with immediate effect, under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley was entrusted with the additional charge of the Defence Ministry.

The Congress had emerged as the single largest party with 17 seats in the 40-member Goa Assembly. But, instead of it, the BJP staked claim to form the government in the state inviting the ire of the grand old party and allegations of 'stealing elections'.