Replace Parsekar as CM to save alliance, MGP tells BJP

Panaji, Dec 8: The BJP should sack Laxmikant Parsekar and name a new Chief Minister in Goa if it wants to continue the ruling alliance, BJP ally Maharashtrwadi Gomnatak Party (MGP) demanded on Thursday.

MGP President Deepak Dhavalikar, also a minister in the BJP-led cabinet, also said that his party was open to contesting all the 40 assembly seats if the alliance with the BJP breaks.

He also criticised the manner in which the demonetisation exercise was conducted across the country and in Goa.

"The Chief Ministership of Parsekar has been imposed on us. We have asked the BJP to change him as Chief Minister and a new Chief Minister should be sworn in if this alliance is to be taken forward to the next election," he told reporters.

Ponda MLA Lavu Mamledar said "Goa has gone back 10 years under Parsekar's Chief Ministership of two and a half years".

Parsekar was appointed Chief Minister in November 2014 after incumbent Manohar Parrikar was elevated as Defence Minister in the Narendra Modi government.

"When the alliance talks were on in 2012, we had insisted that Parrikar should be Chief Minister. But once he became Defence Minister, Parsekar was thrust upon us against our wishes," Dhavalikar said.

Reacting to Dhavalikar's statement, Chief Minister Parsekar said: "I am amazed that the MGP, which worked with me in the government for more than two years, is now making such a grievance.

"Our party does not need others to decide who would be our legislative leader. We do not interfere in MGP affairs," Parsekar said.

Political wrangling between the MGP and BJP has increased in recent times, especially with elections to the 40-member Goa assembly likely to be held early next year.

While the BJP has a simple majority of 21 seats in the assembly, the MGP has three MLAs, two of whom are cabinet ministers. The MGP was also a member of the ruling Congress-led alliance in 2007-12.

Dhavalikar also criticised the implementation of the demonetisation policy. 

"While the idea to weed out black money is good, the manner in which demonetisation has been implemented, has put people in hardship," he said.