Goa political situation: BJP's allies want solution

Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGF) and Goa Forward Party (GFP), allies of the ruling BJP in Goa, on Monday said they were awaiting a solution to the political situation arising out of the indisposition of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.

MGP chief Deepak Dhavalikar said a "common solution", in sync with "what the allies have been requesting", should come from the BJP as it was the single largest party in ruling alliance.

GFP president Vijai Sardesai also said that his party was waiting for a solution, which is permanent rather than "ad hoc".

"We are waiting for the future course of action as now all the pros and cons of the situation are known well to the BJP national leadership," Sardesai, who is also state Agriculture Minister, said.

He appreciated BJP national president Amit Shah for promptly deputing central observers to listen to allies in connection with the political situation.

Parrikar is currently recuperating in the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi and three observers from the BJP were in the coastal state to take stock of the political situation in view of his indisposition.

The three central observers of the BJP -- Ram Lal, B L Santhosh and Vinay Puranik -- left for Delhi Monday after holding several rounds of talks in the coastal state with partymen and alliance partners.

They will submit a report on the political scene in Goa to Shah, party functionaries said.

Sardesai said his party was with Parrikar and "we are not talking to anyone, neither is anybody talking to us".

Speaking to PTI, Sardesai said, "We appreciate swift action of BJP national president to depute senior leaders to hear us in Goa. This reflects the concern that he has for a small state like Goa, which is deserving and appreciated."
Dhavalikar said, "This is a coalition government but the decision (on governance in the absence of Parrikar) has to be taken by the BJP since it is the largest party in the state government. We are waiting for a common solution on the current situation, which the BJP will give us."
Dhavalikar, speaking to reporters Saturday, had said, "It is high time Parrikar hands over the charge to the seniormost minister for smooth functioning of the government."