BJP Catholic MLAs appeal to regional parties

Seven Catholic MLAs of the BJP on Sunday made a public plea to regional parties and Independent legislators to support the party in government formation in Goa.

Speaking to reporters in Panaji, BJP MLA Michael Lobo said: "We seven members of minority are appealing to Goa Forward, MGP and Independents to support us and form a stable government in Goa".

For the first time, the number of Catholic legislators in the BJP has outnumbered Hindus, with seven legislators elected to the assembly in the February 4 election.

Both the Congress, which has emerged as the single largest party with 17 MLAs, and the BJP, with 13 MLAs, are in the process of speaking to regional parties and Independents in a bid to take power. The magic number mark in the 40-member Goa assembly is 21.

Regional parties Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Goa Forward have won three seats each while three independents have also been elected. The Nationalist Congress party has won one seat.

--IANS

maya/mr