After Karnataka, Congress in Goa caught off guard as 10 of 15 MLAs merge with BJP

Panaji: Winds of political instability in neighbouring Karnataka reached Goa on Wednesday, with two-thirds (10 out of 15) of Congress MLAs breaking away to merge with the ruling BJP in the coastal state.

The group, led by leader of opposition Chandrakant Kavlekar, met Assembly Speaker Rajesh Patnekar in the evening and submitted a letter, informing him about their breaking away from the party.

Goa Assembly Speaker Rajesh Patnekar: Today 10 Congress MLAs gave one letter to me that they are merging with BJP. The second letter was given by Goa CM Pramod Sawant that strength of BJP has been changed. I have accepted both the letters. pic.twitter.com/UUeNQrRLWZ

— ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2019

The MLAs include Atanasio Monserratte, Jeniffer Monserratte, Francis Silveira, Philip Nery Rodrigues, Cleaofacio Dias, Wilfred DSa, Nilkant Halarnkar and Isidor Fernandes.

Chief minister Pramod Sawant, who was present when the group arrived at the Assembly complex, said the 10 MLAs have merged with the BJP.

With the 10 MLAs changing sides, the strength of Congress in the House would be reduced to five.

BJP is the single largest party with 17. Goa Forward Party and Independents have three each, while one MLA each is from NCP and MGP.

When asked, Kavlekar refused to provide any reason behind their move, but said that they will make a statement later in the evening.

Sawant was sworn in as the chief minister in March this year, after the death of then CM Manohar Parrikar.