Panaji, July 14: The Goa Forward Party (GFP), a partner in the BJP-led alliance in Goa, on Sunday announced to withdraw support to the government. The Goa Forward Party conveyed its decision of pulling out its support from the government to Goa Governor Mridula Sinha. The development came a day after the BJP dropped three ministers belonging to the Goa Forward Party and inducted Congress defectors.

"The political affairs committee and the legislature party wing of Goa Forward Party met today and decided unanimously to withdraw support to the Bharatiya Janata Party government led by Dr Pramod Sawant," GPF's letter to the governor read. Even though the GFP has pulled out, there is no threat to the BJP government which has 27 MLAs in the 40-member Goa Assembly. BJP Involved in 'Conspiracy' to Lure MLAs in Karnataka, Goa: Congress.

All three members of the GFP, including Vijai Sardesai who was deputy chief minister in the Pramod Sawant cabinet, were dropped and replaced by three of the 10 MLAs who last week switched over from the Congress to the BJP. Chandrakant Kavlekar, who was the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, had quit Congress and joined BJP. Parrikar Had Promised, But He is Not Among Us: Goa BJP Chief.

Kavlekar, along with two other Congress rebels — Jennifer Monserrate and Filipe Nery Rodrigues, and BJP MLA Michael Lobo, were appointed ministers on Saturday. However, the portfolios of the new ministers have not been allocated. Kavlekar has been made deputy chief minister. With the 10 MLAs switching over, the strength of Congress in the 40-member House has reduced to a mere five.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 14, 2019 10:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).