Panaji, September 17: While Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is admitted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the Congress has staked claim to form the government in the state. Goa Congress, along with its 14 MLAs, have submitted a letter before the Raj Bhavan seeking a meeting with the Governor to be given a chance to prove majority. The Congress party has 16 MLAs in the state.

"We have submitted two memorandums and requested that situation to undergo election within 18 months shouldn't arise. People elected us for 5 years. If present government is not capable to function, we should be given the chance, we'll do it," said Chandrakant Kavlekar, Congress Legislature Party chief.

He added, "We're the single largest party, we should've been given the chance earlier. See how government is functioning today. We have the numbers so we're staking claim. The Governor will be here tomorrow. We'll request him for it."

Earlier last week, Goa Congress leader Girish R Chodankar had written a letter to Governor Mridula Sinha expressing fear that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar government may recommend dissolution of the Assembly. Claiming that Parrikar government is struggling with its allies and intra-party politics within the coalition, Chodankar cautioned the governor of a possible dissolution.

"Manohar Parrikar government is in minority and is struggling with its allies and intra-party politics within the coalition. As a result, the administration has completely collapsed. There is 'state of emergency' due to Parrikar not stepping down and providing a viable alternative," the letter read.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 17, 2018 03:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).