No Horse-Trading, Congress MLAs Want to Join BJP: Goa CM Parrikar

Parrikar took oath as the chief minister of Goa for the fourth time on Tuesday.

BJP leader Manohar Parrikar taking oath as Goa’s new Chief Minister at a swearing-in ceremony in Panaji on Tuesday. (Photo: PTI)

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Tuesday that some Congress MLAs have expressed interest in joining the BJP.

In an exclusive interview to NDTV, Parrikar said: "I can't stop anyone from sending me messages. I'm not interested but I can't stop people from messaging that they are interested in resigning and joining (BJP)."

Congress legislators reportedly had a heated discussion with party general secretary Digvijay Singh on Tuesday morning.

Congress legislator, Vishwajit Rane on Wednesday said that he had written to Rahul Gandhi about his reservations. “If he (Rahul Gandhi) doesn’t respond, then me and some others will decide if it is ideal to stay in party,” he added.

Also Read: How SC’s Hearing Paved the Way for Parrikar-Led BJP Govt in Goa

Without taking any names, Rane had earier said that the Congress failed to form the government in Goa, despite having 17 seats, as the party was slow to make a decision.

In the interview, Parrikar denied the accusations made by the Congress that the BJP was involved in any horse-trading. He said that the BJP had not given any monetary incentives for support.

Also Read: ‘Can Prove Majority’: Congress Seeks Invite to Form Govt in Goa

The BJP staked claim even after Congress managed to muster 17 seats in the Assembly elections. Congress took the matter to the Supreme Court, calling it unconstitutional. On its part, the SC refused to put a stay on Parrikar's oath taking and passed an order to hold a floor test on 16 March.

Parrikar took oath as the state's chief minister for the fourth time on Tuesday.

Also Read: How Parrikar and the BJP Got a Fix on Power in Goa