NCP insists on cabinet berth in Goa

Insisting that its legislator Micky Pacheco be inducted into the Council of Ministers, the Nationalist Congress Party Saturday said the coalition dharma has to be understood by both partners even as Deputy Chief Minister Wilfred D'Souza refused to assume office till his party's demand was met.

"We believe in the coalition dharma, but a sacrificial attitude cannot be from our side alone. Both partners have to follow coalition politics," NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal told reporters in Panaji after party general secretary Tariq Anwar met Chief Minister Pratapsing Rane.
    
"We have told Rane that he must induct Pacheco. He has asked us for time to consult with his high command," Bhujbal said.

Bhujbal and Anwar arrived in Panaji on Saturday morning to hold talks with local party leaders and Rane after Goa state unit chief Wilfred D'Souza threatened to withdraw support to the Congress government if Pacheco was not given a berth.
    
"The agreement was that all MLAs who had made a sacrifice and resigned to topple the Parrikar government would be given ministries. Now only those who have joined the Congress have been sworn in but not those who joined the NCP. I have told my leaders that I will not do any work of the government and not assume office till the situation is corrected," D'Souza said.

Bhujbal and Anwar declined to comment on whether the party would withdraw support if their demand was not met, saying Rane asked for time.

''We will report what transpired today to party chief Sharad Pawar,'' they said.