Congress challenges Manohar Parrikar’s swearing-in as Goa CM, SC orders floor test

Panaji: With the support of regional outfits and Independents, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday is scheduled to be sworn in as the Goa Chief Minister.
Parrikar resigned as the Defence Minister on Monday.
-Supreme Court orders floor test in Goa, reports ANI.
– Senior lawyer Harish Salve is representing Central government, Abhishek Singhvi is representing Congress in the apex court.
– While hearing Congress’ petition Supreme Court asks Congress where are the numbers?
– SC asks Congress why didn’t they approach the Goa Governor on the issue of government formation.
– During the hearing, the bench headed by CJI Khehar observes that numbers should determine the single largest party.
– Goa Governor Mridula Sinha to meet Congress leaders at 1:30 pm.
– Hearing on Congress’ petition challenging anointment of Manohar Parrikar as Goa CM begins in Supreme Court.
– Congress leader Digvijaya Singh says Governor has to act under Constitution adding that the single largest party must be called to form the government in Goa.
Earlier developments
The BJP, which failed to cross the half-way mark in the assembly polls with its tally dipping to 13 from 21, pulled off a coup on Sunday by enlisting the support of the Goa Forward Party (GFP), Maharastrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and two Independents, to reach the magic figure of 21 in the 40-member house.
The Congress is expected to meet Governor Mridula Sinha today, demanding that the Congress be granted an opportunity to form a government, because it has emerged as the single largest party in the February 4 elections with 17 MLAs.
In the national capital, the Supreme Court is also scheduled to hear a petition by Congress legislative party leader Chandrakant Kavlekar, who has challenged Sinha`s decision to unilaterally invite Parrikar to form a government.
The BJP stole a march on the Congress which failed to muster the numbers despite emerging as the single-largest party with 17 seats.
The Congress was hoping to get the support of the GFP which has bagged three seats in its maiden bid at the hustings.hustings.
But by deft moves, coordinated by party veteran and Union minister Nitin Gadkari, the BJP succeeded in keeping the Congress at bay, winning over smaller parties and Independents, who were keen that Parrikar should lead the ministry.
AICC general secretary Digvijaya Singh has already accepted the blame for the party`s inability to stake claim to form a government on Monday.
Critcising the BJP’s moves, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Monday said in a tweet: “The Prime Minister says that they would become more humble after victory. Abduction of an MLA in Manipur and haggling for power in Goa! We bow to Modiji’s humbleness.”
In another tweet, senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram said that a party that comes second has no right to form the government.
“BJP is stealing elections in Goa and Manipur,” Chidmabarm said.