Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday dropped Deputy CM Sudin Dhavalikar after two MLAs of the latter's MGP broke away and joined the ruling BJP. Dhavalikar, the lone Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) MLA who did not break away from the party, hit back, terming the development as "dacoity by chowkidars".

In a communication addressed to Goa Governor Mridula Sinha, Sawant informed her about dropping Dhavalikar. "I have dropped Sudin Dhavalikar from the Cabinet. The decision on filling up the vacant seat will be taken very soon," Sawant said. The CM's recommendation to drop Dhavalikar was accepted by Sinha.