BJP TO MOVE NO CONFIDENCE MOTION AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT

PANJIM: The BJP will move a no-confidence motion against the government in the next assembly session, on grounds that the decision on the medium of instruction issue will damage the identity of Goa. Opposition leader Manohar Parrikar told media this on Thursday.

  "During the education demands (in the last assembly session), the education minister had assured the house that he will maintain status quo on the medium of instruction. But within 45 days the government has changed this decision. (Chief minister Digambar) Kamat should have convened an assembly session to take a decision on providing grants to English (medium primary schools)," said Parrikar.

He added, "We will move a no-confidence motion against the government on this issue. We ask Kamat to face the vote."  Parrikar said he had told Kamat he would not pull down his government when the issue first arose. "I have (however) not seen a worse chief minister. This CM does not know his subjects," said Parrikar.

Asked if the BJP will take to the streets as threatened earlier, Parrkiar said the party has decided to stand by the Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) to oppose the government's decision.  "This issue is beyond politics. We have decided to wholeheartedly support BBSM. The government has to be hit very hard by all of us remaining together" said Parrikar.

Parrikar addressed the media together with North Goa member of Parliament Shripad Naik, BJP state president Laxmikant Parsekar, Shiroda MLA Mahadev Naik, BJP spokesperson Rajendra Arlekar and BJP general secretary Narendra Sawaikar.