PANAJI
Manohar Parrikar is all set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of the State on Tuesday at Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula. He resigned as the Defence Minister of the Country Monday morning.
Along with Parrikar, at least eight other MLAs “ Francis D’Souza of BJP, Vijai Sardesai, Vinod Paliencar and Jayesh Salgaonkar of Goa Forward Party (BJP), Sudin Dhavalikar and Manohar ‘babu’ Ajgaonkar of Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Independent MLAs Rohan Khaunte and Govind Gaude are expected to be sworn-in as ministers.
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be attended by BJP National President Amit Shah and Union Minister and Goa election in-charge Nitin Gadkari. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has however cancelled his plans to attend the swearing-in ceremony.
Meanwhile, chaired by Manohar Parrikar, BJP had a joint meeting of all its newly elected MLAs and core committee members at BJP headquarters in Panaji.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, BJP Mapusa MLA Francis D’Souza said, “As per what we have been told, full complement of 12 ministers will not be sworn in. Possibly all alliance partners would be sworn-in and one or two of the BJP.”
Further speaking, D’Souza said, “The meeting was a review of the developments that took place in the last few days. The MLAs were briefed about decisions taken and those that would be taken once the Assembly begins, agenda of the Assembly, election of speaker, swearing-in of MLAs, vote of confidence. These were few things discussed.”
However, sources informed that Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral had heated arguments with Lobo claiming that it was because of his efforts that Goa Forward supported the BJP to form the govt. Parrikar has advised his MLAs for adjustments as it is a coalition government.
Parrikar also had a meeting with Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai and Michael Lobo at a starred hotel in Panaji.
