Stealing a march on the Congress, the BJP led by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today staked claim to form the next government in Goa under his leadership, with the support of the NCP, smaller outfits and Independents.
Parrikar will be the Chief Minister of the coalition government. He called upon Governor Mridula Sinha in evening with the letters of support from three members each of the Goa Forward Party (GFP), the Maharashtrawadi Gomkantak Party (MGP), two Independents and lone NCP MLA, taking the tally of the coalition to 22.
With this, the BJP which has won 13 seats has cobbled up the requisite number needed to reach the magic figure in the 40-member House which had thrown up a hung verdict, though the Congress has emerged the single largest party with 17 seats.
Union minister and the BJP's election in-charge for Goa, Nitin Gadkari said, "Parrikar will resign as the Defence Minister before taking oath as Chief Minister of Goa."
GFP leader Vijai Sardesai told media persons they are extending support to the BJP to provide stable government in the coastal state.
"We are supporting BJP to have stability in the government. We don't want development of the state to hinder due to instability," he said.
The MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar said his party has supported the BJP on the condition that only Parrikar heads the state government.
"We have given the letter of support to the BJP only because of Parrikar. Without him, we would not have supported the BJP to form the next government," he said.
State party unit chief Vinay Tendulkar said, "The BJP Central leadership has agreed on Parrikar to head the BJP legislature wing following which the decision to stake claim to form government was taken."