the goan I network
MARGAO
In an apparent bid to cap reports that the ruling BJP is weighing various leadership options, state BJP President Vinay Tendulkar on Sunday asserted that Manohar Parrikar will not only remain the leader of the BJP, but also of the coalition government ruling the State.
He told The Goan on Sunday there’s no question of looking at other leadership options when the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is expected to return home and take charge of government within 6-7 weeks time. “We have come across reports concerning the Chief Minister’s health and the change in leadership of the party. These are just rumours spread by vested interests who do not want the coalition govt to complete its full term”, Tendulkar said.
Saying that Parrikar’s health is showing improvement, Tendulkar said “we all expect Parrikar to return within 6-7 weeks and lead the government”.
Tendulkar’s comments assume significance and comes against the backdrop of reports that the BJP leadership has been weighing various options in the event the Chief Minister steps down from office given his health condition. In fact, a couple of names have been doing rounds in the BJP as likely successors for Manohar Parrikar, even though the Party has been facing a virtual dearth of second line of leadership not only to take over the party reigns, but a leader acceptable to the coalition partners.
