Tuesday, March 1 2005 11:33 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Accusing the Goa Governor of "murdering" democracy, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today (Mar 1, 2005) demanded dissolution of the Assembly and fresh polls in the State.

"Democracy has been murdered in Goa. The Governor has crossed the limits of his powers and dismissed an elected Government. This is an issue of serious concern for democracy. The Assembly should be dissolved and fresh elections held in the State," Vajpayee told reporters in New Delhi after a meeting of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) Parliamentary party.

Terming the developments in Goa as "ridiculous", Vajpayee asked, "what kind of democracy is this? An elected Government is dismissed".

Asked whether the role of the Assembly Speaker was above board, he said, "if there are grievances against the Speaker, the solution has to be found within the House and not outside. The remedy does not lie with the Governor".

Charging the Governor with "acting at the behest of the Centre", the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) chairman said, "the Governor cannot behave like a dictator".

The BJP had yesterday demanded the dismissal of the Pratapsinh Rane Government and restoration of its Government in the State.

Earlier today, the BJP Parliamentary party, chaired by Vajpayee, decided to press for an Adjournment Motion in the Lok Sabha on the issue.