MGP withdraws support to Congress-led govt in Goa

Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party on Sunday withdrew its support to the Congress-led coalition government in Goa, a move which comes less than a month ahead of the March 3 Assembly polls.

MGP President Deepak Dhavalikar said the decision has been taken as per a resolution passed by the party’s highest decision making body, Central Committee.

The party, the oldest regional outfit in the state, has forwarded letters conveying its decision to Governor K Sankaranarayanan, Assembly Speaker Pratapsinh Rane and Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, he said.

MGP has two MLAs in the 40-member Goa Assembly.

Mr. Dhavalikar said the party has finalised a pre-poll alliance with main opposition BJP which will be formally announced later in the day.

MGP’s lone Minister Ramakrishna Dhavalikar has already resigned from the Digambar Kamat—led state Cabinet.

The party’s withdrawal of support, however, will not affect the stability of the Congress-led government, which still enjoys a majority in the House. Sharad Pawar—led NCP is part of the ruling coalition.