Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is set to be the next chief minister of Goa. Parrikar will resign as defence minister once the governor confirms that the Bharatiya Janata Party can form the government, television reports said. The BJP claims to have the support of 22 legislators now, including 13 of their own.
Senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari said that the BJP parliamentary board had supported Parikar’s move back to Goa. Parrikar addressed the media and thanked the BJP for having faith in him, while also expressing his gratitude to their alliance partners in Goa. The Maharashtrawadi Gomantak (three MLAs), Goa Forward Party (also three) and three Independent legislators are said to be supporting the BJP.
Earlier in the day, the Bharatiya Janata Party in Goa had passed a resolution calling for Parrikar to be named their chief minister. Parrikar had been chief minister till he was given the defence portfolio in 2014. The BJP has won 13 of the state’s 40 Assembly seats, while the Congress has 17 seats.
After a legislature meet on Sunday morning, the BJP had sent a request to the central parliamentary committee of the party to choose a leader for the party, MLA Nilesh Cabral told Scroll.in. They had also asked the central leadership to relieve Parrikar of the defence portfolio so he can return to Goa. Leaders believe that only Parrikar can handle the state and keep alliance parties satisfied. “We have approached the other parties for support”, said Cabral on Sunday afternoon.
The MGP had walked out of the alliance with the BJP just before the polls, citing an unwillingness to work with then Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar. It had then indicated it was comfortable with Parrikar. Parsekar had resigned on Saturday, after he lost in the elections.
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