Panaji: Goa's own brand of defection politics came to the fore again today (July 31, 2004) with the withdrawal of support by one MLA to the Manohar Parrikar-led BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) Government, giving rise to speculation that the Government was in the danger of collapsing.

Even as the BJP's top leaders were huddled in a brainstorming session, the lone MLA of the UGDP (Mikky) faction, Former Tourism Minister Francisco Pacheco withdrew support to the Government and warned that he was "in a position to topple the Government any time".

He said he was waiting for BJP's "chintan baithak" to conclude. Asked if he had the support of two more independent MLAs in the Government, Pacheco avoided giving a direct answer but said, "We in the Opposition are united, and when the time is right we shall make our moves. Manohar Parrikar has got a free hand now and is ruining the future of the State."

Pacheco, who was till a month ago the tourism minister in the Parrikar cabinet was removed for his "style of functioning". But he continued his support to the Government from outside.

While Pacheco's withdrawal does not bode danger for the Government as it has 22 MLAs in the 40-member assembly -out of which three are outside supporters political circles were abuzz with the reports that there could be more defections in the near future.

BJP leaders, however, put up a brave front, denying reports that their Government was in danger. "Our Government is not in any danger. These are all rumours being spread by the Congress for reasons of their own. We have spoken to all our MLAs and they are with us."

Water Resources Minister Filpe neri Rodrigues, PWD (Public welfare Department) Minister Sudin Dhavalikar and Tourism Minister Mathany Saldhana are currently supporting the Government from the outside.