Congress' move to form government in Goa shows its desperation to grab power: Nirmala Sitharaman

The Congress's move to form a government in Goa when the chief minister was undergoing treatment at a hospital reflected the party's level of desperation to grab power, Defence Minister and senior BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman said Tuesday.

"The chief minister is ill. He is not staying away from work otherwise. The Congress sees a chance as the CM is ill. It just shows what is the level of desperation (of Congress). Honestly, I feel sad for it," she said.

Sitharaman was interacting with journalists at the Indian Women Press Corps.

With Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar hospitalised, Goa's main opposition Congress Monday submitted a memorandum to Governor Mridula Sinha, demanding the dismissal of the present government.

Staking claim to form the government, the Congress said it should be given a chance to take a shot at the power as it is the single largest party in the state.

Goa is being ruled by the BJP-led Alliance headed by Parrikar. The BJP has 14 MLAs while its allies Goa Forward Party and MGP have three each. Three Independents and an MLA from Nationalist Congress Party are also supporting the BJP.

The Congress has 16 MLAs in Goa assembly. Parrikar is undergoing treatment in AIIMS.