In what shows that the newly appointed Goa CM, Pramod Sawant has proved to be an able successor to Parrikar ji, Sawant proved the majority of the BJP-led coalition government in a floor test in the state of Goa. While 20 members voted in favour of the motion of confidence in the newly appointed government led by Pramod Sawant, 15 voted against it. Therefore, the Pramod Sawant government won the floor test in the 36-member legislative assembly. The original strength of the house is 40 members but it has reduced to 36 after death of two of its members and resignation by two others.
The special session of the House was convened by Goa Governor, Mridula Sinha to conduct the trust vote after Pramod Sawant was sworn in as the chief minister of the state during the early hours of Tuesday. While 11 members from the BJP supported the motion, three members each from Goa Forward Party, MGP and Independents also stood in its favour. On the other hand, all the 14 Congress MLAs and one NCP MLA stood against the motion of confidence. Goa CM Pramod Sawant reacted in a humble manner and reached out to all the members of the house, making an appeal to all of them to join hands with him and ensure that developmental work reaches every nook and corner of the state.
After the demise of Parrikar ji, there was an air of uncertainty about the future of Goa. He was the tallest leader of the state and one wondered if the state will be able to maintain its political stability. Manohar Parrikar was successful in keeping the complex coalition involving the Goa forward party (GFP), the Maharastrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP)and Independent MLAs, on the same page, he was known for his reach and respect across party lines. Discussions about the feasibility of the coalition were making rounds since its formation as most coalition partners had only extended their support on the basis of Manohar Parrikar being the Chief Minister. In fact, the most worrying question for the BJP was the question of leadership. Since, many of the coalition parties had come together on the basis of Parrikar being the CM, a leader who could keep the alliance together was needed. It was the only way of ensuring political stability in the state and the floor test shows Sawant has approval.
As such by winning the trust vote, Sawant has proved his mettle and the fact that he is an able successor of Manohar Parrikar. Parrikar was the builder of modern Goa and strong leadership is needed in order to take his legacy forward. Pramod Sawant has started off in the right manner and one hopes that he will continue to prove his worth as his tenure goes ahead.