Party Politics in Goa: An analysis of defection cases of splits & mergers- A case Study of Third Goa Legislative Assembly (1999-2002)

Abstract

Defection, toppling of Government and instability dominated Goa’s politics during 1999-2002. Indian National Congress received people’s mandate with absolute majority to govern the State and politics of Goa in the General elections held in 1999. The period- 1999-2002 witnessed various splits, mergers and formation of splinter group in the Assembly which led to the collapse and formation of the Governments and ultimately led to the dissolution of the assembly. The main objective of this research is to understand the party politics in Goa in the context of lawful defection cases leading to splits & mergers in the political parties in order to attain power. The major hypothesis developed for this research is that defection versus loyalty and ability versus incompetence to rule the State is one amongst the major issue which the Goan politics has faced during 1999-2002.