MUMBAI, July 14: The ruling coalition in the State has finally got down to the task of putting its house in order sensing the uneasiness among the 47 independents legislators who support the government.

The alarm bells sounded this afternoon when the independents decided to meet ostensibly to take the stock of the situation. The independent's meeting, that took place around 1.30 pm, was attended by 25 legislators. According to sources they decided to meet again late this evening.

Soon after this, Chief Minister Manohar Joshi convened a meeting of the Sena-BJP MLAs and also invited all independents supporting the government. However, most independents decided to stay away. The chief minister has allegedly asked his cabinet colleague to keep a track on the activities of the independents.

According to sources, the independents are likely to meet Governor P C Alexander on Tuesday. They may ask him not to recommend dissolution of the assembly. There is a strong feeling among a section of independents that in the changed circumstances they should maintain a safe distance even though five of them are ministers in the Manohar Joshi government. With the Congress strongly building up the case for dismissal of the Joshi government the independents are the most worried lot as none of them want a mid-term poll in the state.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.