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MLAs and core committee members of Goa BJP, on Saturday, 16 March, met to discuss the political situation arising due to the health condition of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
Parrikar, who is suffering from a pancreatic ailment, saw his health deteriorate earlier in the day; sparking hectic political activities across parties in the coastal state.
A senior BJP office-bearer who attended the meeting in Panaji, chaired by the state unit chief and Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar, said the political situation was discussed but not the question of leadership change.
Goa Panchayat Minister and BJP MLA Mauvin Godinho said the meeting discussed preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha and by-polls as well as "other challenges" facing the state.
Godinho said Parrikar's health was also discussed.
Earlier in the day, after the Congress had dispatched a letter to Governor Mridula Sinha, to stake claim to form the government, the BJP had swung into action to discuss its next course of action. According to the Indian Express, Deputy Speaker and BJP leader Michael Lobo said,
The Indian Express also reported that after Congress’ letter to her, Governor Sinha had not yet given the party an appointment, but did meet BJP’s organising secretary Satish Dhond later in the evening.
After the meeting, Assembly Speaker Pramod Sawant said,
Goa Power Minister Nilesh Cabral asserted that the meet did not deliberate on the leadership change issue:
Six MLAs, allies in the BJP-led Goa government, had met Parrikar earlier in the day and extended support to him. One of them, Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai had told reporters,
(With inputs from PTI)
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