Goa CM Sawant wins trust vote, gets support of 20 MLAs in assembly
Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday won the floor test after 20 MLAs voted in his favour in the state assembly.
Governor Mridula Sinha convened the special session at 11.30 am.
The floor test was overseen by acting Speaker and Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Michael Lobo.
The strength of the 40-member house has been reduced to 36 due to death of Manohar Parriakr, BJP legislator Francis D’Souza and resignations of two Congress lawmakers Subhash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte.
The BJP government claims support of 21 legislators – 12 from BJP, 3 each of allies Goa Forward Party (GFP) and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and 3 independents.
The BJP faced tough negotiations with its allies and under new agreement, Sudin Dhavalikar of MGP and Vijay Sardesai of GFP – who initially demanded the CM’s post – joined the government as the two new Deputy Chief Ministers.
The Congress is the single largest party in the state with 14 MLAs. There is also an NCP legislator in the House.
On Tuesday night, Sawant was sworn in as Goa Chief Minister along with his 12 ministers.