This Article is From Mar 07, 2012

BJP to meet Goa Governor today to stake claim to form govt

BJP to meet Goa Governor today to stake claim to form govt
Panaji: The Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP)-BJP combine will today stake claim to form government in Goa, along with two Independent legislators.

BJP leader Manohar Parrikar, who led the party's campaign in the state, said senior leaders Venkaiah Naidu and Ravi Shankar Prasad will arrive in Goa today to take stock of the situation.

The party's legislature wing will be meeting in the afternoon to decide the leader of the group, he said.

Later in the evening, BJP leaders, along with Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) representatives, will meet Governor S Sankaranarayanan to stake claim to form the government, Mr Parrikar said.

BJP has also decided to take along two Independents - Avertan Furtado (Navelim) and Benjamin Silva (Velim) - who were supported by the party during the March 3 polls, he said.

BJP has won 21 seats, MGP 3, Congress 9, Goa Vikas Party (GVP) 2 and Independents 5.

Parrikar said the verdict was welcome as "it has given strength to run the government comfortably".

He said that the BJP was willing to accept support of any other party from outside. GVP has decided to support the BJP-led government, he added.

"People who are not part of alliance are not our enemies. Everyone's support is welcome. As far as development is concerned, everyone will be properly looked after," Parrikar said.

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