Congress legislator Jitendra Deshprabhu has filed a disqualification petition against United Goans Democratic Party legislator Mathany Saldhana.
Deshprabhu has filed the petition praying for an ad-interim relief, restraining him from entering the House on Friday, when the Rane government faces the trust vote.
Saldhana is supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party despite the UGDP issuing a whip to vote in favour of Rane.
The petition is being filed on the grounds of defying the party directive.
The Rane government is left with only 16 legislators in the House against 17 of the BJP, including Saldhana.
Also Read
Goa speaker, deputy resign
Goa speaker disqualifies MLA
Parrikar seeks Jamir's assurance
Senior Congressman Francisco Sardinha has been appointed the pro-tem speaker.
Sardinha would be able to cast his vote in Rane's favour in case of a tie.
Saldhana's disqualification would force a tie.
The Manohar Parrikar government was dismissed by the Goa governor hours after it won a trust vote in the House on February 1.
More from rediff