https://www.news18.com/news/india/news18-daybreak-two-mgp-legislators-switch-over-to-ally-bjp-in-goa-and-other-stories-you-need-to-watch-out-for-2079087.html
In a late-night development, two out of three of Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP)’s MLAs have pledged their allegiance to the BJP camp in Goa, which has 14 legislators in the current 36-member Goa Assembly House. The move comes only hours after MGP president Dipak Dhavalikar said a "conspiracy" by its rivals may force it to move out and align with the Congress to form a new government.
Recent developments: The MLAs, Manohar Ajgaonkar and Dipak Pawaskar are said to have submitted a letter to Goa Assembly Speaker Michael Lobo around 1.30 am today announcing the move. The letter, however, does not bear third MGP MLA and Deputy Chief Minister Sudin Dhavalikar’s signature. The two MLAs confirmed that after breaking away from Dhavlikar’s party they formed a group called MGP(two), which has joined the BJP’s legislature unit.
Meanwhile, the Congress in the state decried the move calling it an indication of the threat BJP poses to its allies. A statement by Congress spokesperson Sunil Kawathankar read, “BJP has proved it is a threat to all its allies, this is a clear indication to all NDA partners all over country just before Lok Sabha elections that any partnership with BJP will be detrimental to the existence of their own party.”
Why it matters: The late-night political drama has increased the strength of the BJP from 12 to 14 in the 36-member House, bringing them at par with opposition Congress. The MGP will be holding a central committee meeting today and taking a decision which is likely to have a bearing on the stability of the Pramod Sawant-led government.
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