PANAJI: The

MLA count in the BJP state unit has cross the halfway mark. Out of 27 BJP MLAs, 15 are Catholics. This is the first time that BJP has such a huge number of Catholic MLAs in the party.

The strength of Catholic MLAs went up after 10 Congress MLAs joined BJP, as, of the 10, eight are Catholics. Quepem MLA Chandrakant Kavalekar and Tivim MLA Nilkant Halarnkar are the only two exceptions.

Catholic MLAs in BJP are

MLA

, Taleigao MLA Jennifer Monserrate, Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza, panchayat minister Mauvin Godinho, power minister Nilesh Cabral, deputy speaker

, Aldona MLA Glenn Ticlo, St Cruz MLA Antonio (Tony) Fernandes, St Andre MLA Francisco Silveira, Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha, Nuvem MLA Wilfred D’Sa, Cuncolim MLA Clafasio Dias, Velim MLA Filipe Neri Rodrigues, Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida and Canacona MLA Isidore Fernandes.

It is the first time that BJP has got three Catholic MLAs in

during a single assembly term, which include Filipe Neri, D’Sa and Dias. Earlier, BJP has won Margao, Fatorda and Cuncolim seats.

A political observer said with the increase in Catholic MLAs in BJP, the party will have to change its style of functioning so that the Catholic MLAs are not left feeling insecure.