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President's rule may be imposed on Goa

President's rule is likely to be imposed on Goa.

With the Bharatiya Janata Party backing out of its earlier commitment, Goa Rajiv Congress politician Wilfred de Souza, who had staked his claim to form the government with the support of other parties, now has just 17 supporters in the 40-member assembly.

The Congress has 19 supporters, including the speaker and one Independent.

With no party in a position to form the government, the BJP expects Governor J F R Jacob, a former BJP member himself, to send a report to the Union home ministry recommending dissolution of the assembly and imposition of President's rule in the state.

The Congress, meanwhile, has backtracked from its earlier demand for imposition of President's rule. The party now only wants dissolution of the assembly.

"It is the governor's prerogative to recommend central rule," Faleiro told reporters.

But, making the party's intentions clear, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Shantaram Naik said: "Since the Congress losing its majority has not been proved legally, Faleiro should be allowed to continue as caretaker chief minister till the election."

Dr de Souza is still trying to get at least four Congressmen to support him so he can stake a revised claim as directed by the governor. But Faleiro claims that some GRC legislators have approached him for returning to the Congress.

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