Panaji: Two leaders of BJP from Goa are front runner for the post of Chief Minister of state as there are speculations of Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar being elevated as a Union minister.
Sources said that the names of two veterans — Health Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Speaker Rajendra Arlekar — are being considered for the top post.
Goa CM Manohar Parrikar held a meeting with BJP president Amit Shah in Delhi on Wednesday after the reports that he could get the Defence Ministry in a Union Cabinet reshuffle.
Later in the night, he followed it up with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and told reporters after the meet that they only discussed Goa issues.
Parrikar said he would comment on reports of his induction in the Union Cabinet only after an “official announcement” is made.
Parriker said, “Let there be an official announcement. Until then I cannot say anything.”
On anonymity, senior party leader said, “The discussion would be held on who should be next Goa chief minister and also candidate contesting the Panaji seat, which would fall vacant after Parrikar resigns to take the bigger assignment.”
Notify that both leaders are from RSS background.
Parsekar meanwhile said, “I will go by what party decides. I am not in the race. There is no race for the post. It would be the decision of the party.”
On the other hand, Arlekar said that he has not yet been communicated anything about the CM’s post.
Arlekar is MLA from Pernem constituency. He said, “I have not been communicated anything. But if party gives me any responsibility I will handle it to my best capacity.”
Parsekar and Arlekar are among those leaders who, along with Parrikar, laid foundation of BJP in the state, fighting against regional Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Congress.
Bureau Report
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