Goa Congress splits, 10 out of 15 MLAs merge with BJP

In a deafening blow to the Congress in Goa, 10 of its 15 MLAs split from the party and merged with the BJP.

Panaji:Amidst the political crisis in Karnataka, neighbouring Goa also witnessed political drama as 10 Congress MLAs, including leader of opposition Babu Kavalekar arrived at the state Assembly on Wednesday and merged with the BJP.

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

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 27, Goa Forward Party and Independents have three each, while one MLA each is from NCP and MGP.

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

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

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