GA-CONG-SARDESAI

GFP says it's with BJP-led Goa govt in 'good & bad times'
    Panaji, Jul 11 (PTI) Amid speculations that Goa Chief
Minister Pramod Sawant may drop some coalition members from
his cabinet, the Goa Forward Party (GFP), an ally of the
ruling BJP, Thursday said the party remains "steadfast" with
the government in "good and bad times".
    A group of 10 Congress MLAs in Goa led by Leader of
Opposition in the Assembly Chandrakant Kavlekar merged with
the ruling BJP on Wednesday. The development triggered
speculations that Sawant may drop members of the coalition
from the cabinet.
    The BJP-led government currently enjoys the support of
three GFP MLAs, all of whom are ministers, and three
Independents, of whom two are ministers.
    Talking to reporters, GFP president and Deputy Chief
Minister Vijai Sardesai said he has not held talks with anyone
about the recent developments.
    "Goa Forward remains steadfast with this government in
good and bad times," he said.
    Sardesai claimed that the Congress had been trying to
woo him to forge an alliance to form government in the state.
    "The Congress has been by giving several offers, but I
have refused time and again...After trying to convince me
several times, even till recently. Finally, Congress has given
up. I believe in standing by my words," he said.
    Sardesai said his party was severely criticised for
joining hands with the BJP to form the government.
    "Everyone knows who has faced the maximum flak and who
has been the most dependable ally. He (late chief minister
Manohar Parrikar) was suffering from a terminal disease, but
despite that we did not move an inch," he said.
    On being asked whether he would be dropped from the
cabinet after the induction of 10 Congress MLAs into BJP,
Sardesai said he would not comment on it till something like
that happens.
    "Let them take a decision, then we will analyse the
decision and its pros and cons. I don't find much need for
this. I don't see any political significance in it," he added.
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(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from a PTI feed.)