Speaking to the press before meeting Governor Lt Gen J F R Jacob (retd), D'Souza said, ``That can be decided only after the vote of confidence''.Despite being reduced to a group of 19 in the 40-member legislative Assembly following the defection of Agriculture Minister Dayanand Narvekar and three other Goa Rajiv Congress (GRC) legislators and an independent MLA, John Manuel Vaz, the Chief Minister hoped to spring a few surprises.

``Four members in their camp will vote for me during the confidence vote,'' insisted D'Souza.

Former chief minister and Congress leader Churchill Alemao's statement on Friday that Congress MLAs have been hidden on an island is providing much ammunition to the Chief Minister. D'Souza contends that many of the legislators are being kept against their will by the Congress leaders.

Meanwhile, sources say, Congress leaders aredesperately lobbying for a special session of the legislative assembly if not a headcount of its supporters by the Governor.

Its situation is precarious as it is counting on the support of two independent MLAs. The Chief Minister's camp is wooing back John Manual Vaz, an independent who crossed over to the other side.