Key MGP panel didn't pass resolution to back BJP govt: Ex-MLA

A key committee of the MGP, Goas oldest regional outfit, never passed any resolution to support the BJP-led government after the Assembly polls last year threw a fractured mandate, a top party leader claimed today.

MGP general secretary Lavu Mamledar said party president Dipak Dhavalikar acted in an "arbitrary" manner while extending support to the Manohar Parrikar government, a claim rubbished by the latter.

The Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), which has three MLAs, is a key member of the ruling coalition.

Talking to reporters here, Mamledar said Dhavalikar made a "false" claim before the Governor that the MGP had passed a resolution to support the Parrikar-led government.

In March last year, Parrikar had staked a claim to form the government with the support of three legislators each from the MGP, the Goa Forward Party and as many Independents.

"There was no resolution (passed) by the the Central Committee of the party to support the government. Party president Dipak Dhavalikar signed a letter and gave it to the governor, which is illegal," said Mamledar.

As per the constitution of the 55-year-old party, a decision about supporting an alliance has to be taken by the Central Committee, a key body of the outfit, said the former legislator.

"There was no meeting of the Central Committee of the party. We were kept in dark. Dipak Dhavalikar acted in an arbitrary manner," Mamledar said.

When contacted, Dhavalikar said the Central Committee had, in fact, resolved to support the BJP-led government and Mamledar's outburst against the party was unwarranted.

"We don't know why he is suddenly speaking about the resolution a year after the formation of the government. Why was he quiet all this time?" Dhavalikar sought to know while talking to PTI.

MGP executive president Narayan Sawant said the Central Committee did not hold a formal meeting (that time) but had gathered informally and resolved to support formation of the government under Parrikar's leadership.

"There was no time to hold a formal meeting and discuss the issue for hours. So we met informally and decided over the issue," he said.

The Assembly election delivered a fractured mandate with the Congress emerging as the single largest party with 17 seats in a 40-member House.

The BJP, which had then won 13 seats, however, managed to form the government with support from regional parties and Independents.

Parrikar had resigned as Defence Minister and taken over as chief minister.