Goa govt stable, leadership thinking on 'political transit phase', says BJP
Panaji: Amid Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's deteriorating health, the BJP on Sunday said it is "already thinking on Goa political transit phase" even as the party asserted that the state government was "stable" and warned people against rumours.
Parrikar, 63, is suffering from a pancreatic ailment.
"Our BJP leadership in Delhi and Goa are very strong, stable and are already thinking on Goa political transit phase," BJP's state media coordinator Sandesh Sadhale said in a statement.
"We will come out of all the things with greater success. Do not believe in any rumours or any news being spread via social media," he added.
State minister Vijai Sardesai met Parrikar on Saturday at his private residence at Dona Paula near here and said his health had "deteriorated", but he was "stable".
Later in the evening, the BJP held a meeting of its MLAs to discuss the political situation arising out of the health condition of Parrikar, who has been ailing since February last year.
A BJP leader, on condition of anonymity, said all party MLAs have been asked not to leave the state.
"It was specifically told to all the MLAs (in meeting on Saturday) that we should not leave the state," he told PTI.
Sardesai had earlier ruled out the possibility of any new political formations in the state in the wake of Parrikar's health condition.
On Saturday, the Congress wrote to Goa Governor Mridula Sinha staking claim to form government in the state, claiming that the Parrikar dispensation has lost its majority in the Assembly following the demise of BJP MLA Francis D'Souza.
The strength of Goa Assembly has reduced from 40 to 37 after the death of D'Souza and resignation of two MLAs -- Subhash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte.
While the Congress currently has 14 MLAs, down from 16 after Sopte and Shirodkar left it to join the BJP, the latter has 13 MLAs.
Three MLAs each of the Goa Forward Party, MGP and an Independent and the lone NCP legislator are supporting the BJP.
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'Red' alert for severe thunderstorms, hailstorms issued in Delhi
New Delhi (PTI): A "red" alert for severe thunderstorms and hailstorms was issued for Delhi late on Sunday evening, with some parts of the national capital placed under an "orange" alert, as residents were advised to be prepared for potentially-disruptive weather conditions.
A "red" alert stands for "take action", indicating severe weather conditions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hailstorms, dust storms and moderate rainfall, along with gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 80 kmph, are very likely over the city, with some areas expected to witness moderate thunderstorm activity.
The IMD said a "red" alert has been issued for Outer North Delhi, Northwest Delhi, West Delhi, Southwest Delhi, parts of North Delhi, Central Delhi, Northeast Delhi and Shahdara, while South Delhi, Southeast Delhi and parts of North Delhi remain under an "orange" alert. Similar thunderstorm conditions are also likely at isolated places across various locations in Delhi-NCR.
The weather office warned of likely impacts, including the breaking of large tree branches, uprooting of weak or old trees, lightning strikes at vulnerable locations, such as tall trees and electric poles, and disruption of municipal services.
"Damage to kutcha houses, huts and weak structures, partial collapse of boundary walls, difficult driving conditions and possible road accidents are also likely. Vehicles may also be damaged due to falling branches or debris," it said.
Residents have been advised to move to safe buildings, avoid weak structures and stay away from windows during the storm.
Authorities have cautioned against taking shelter under trees or going near water bodies and advised people to unplug electrical equipment and avoid contact with metallic objects, water taps and pipes. People have also been asked to park vehicles in safe locations and, if caught during the storm while driving, to pull over safely and remain inside the vehicle.
They have further been advised to stay away from electric poles and power lines and remain alert to flying debris, officials said.
