BJP CANNOT COUNT THE SPEAKER: Both BJP and Congress claimed an upper hand in the numbers game. While BJP's strength has been reduced to 17 from 21, it has claimed the support of Matanhy Saldanha, Tourism Minister, who is out of station. Radharao Gracias, senior vice-president of the UGDP, has given a new twist to the number game saying that the BJP cannot count the Speaker. Their actual strength is 16 and not 17, he said. (H)
Comment: I don't know where Radharao Gracias has obtained his opinion from. If the speaker is an MLA of course his vote and opinions will count - although in essence he usually facilitates the smooth running of the Assembley. -- Cheers, Gabe. Wimbledon - London England.
