Manohar Parrikar's demise: Next Goa CM to be announced soon
Goa BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar said the party would announce the next Chief Minister at 2 PM on Monday. A swearing-in ceremony will take place after 3 PM, Tendulkar said, reports PTI. Politics in the coastal state entered a phase of turmoil after CM Manohar Parrikar passed away on Sunday after battling pancreatic cancer for months. Here's more.
Gadkari went to Goa, spoke with allies
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari rushed to Goa on Sunday after Parrikar's death and held a meeting with party MLAs and allies. The important meeting reportedly continued after midnight but remained inconclusive. To recall, BJP formed a government in the state with the support of Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Goa Forward Party, and independents. BJP didn't get a majority after the 2017 Assembly elections.
BJP MLA gives his opinion on next CM
Meanwhile, Congress staked claim to form government
Separately, the Congress camp remained busy as well. Chandrakant Kavlekar, the leader of opposition in the state, wrote to Governor Mridula Sinha asking her to invite Congress to form the government. Congress has 14 MLAs in the Assembly. Though it is the single largest party, Congress is short of a majority. Any party needs 19 MLAs to form the government in Goa.
Parrikar will be cremated around 5 PM
The four-time Goa CM and former Defense Minister will be cremated with full state honors around 5 PM in Miramar. Parrikar's mortal remains have been kept at Kala Academy in Panjim for people to pay their last respects. He will be taken to the cremation grounds at 4 PM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah are expected to attend his funeral.
