Scan to Download
Goa BJP Meets As CM Manohar Parrikar’s Health Deteriorates
Former Goa Minister Dayanand Madrekar told ANI that the party needs to take a decision over change in the state leadership.
“Had Manohar Parrikar been fit, there wouldn't have been a need to change the leader but his health is very critical now, deteriorating day after day. Party should take some decision,” he said.
Amid Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's deteriorating health, the BJP on Sunday said it is "already thinking on Goa political transit phase" even as the party asserted that the state government was "stable" and warned people against rumours.
"Our BJP leadership in Delhi and Goa are very strong, stable and are already thinking on Goa political transit phase," BJP's state media coordinator Sandesh Sadhale said in a statement.
"We will come out of all the things with greater success. Do not believe in any rumours or any news being spread via social media," he added.
A BJP leader, on condition of anonymity, told PTI that all party MLAs have been asked not to leave the state.
"It was specifically told to all the MLAs (in meeting on Saturday) that we should not leave the state," he said.
Senior Congress leader Digambar Kamat left for New Delhi on Sunday, amid speculation that he may join the ruling BJP, though the former chief minister denied any such move.
Speculations were rife that Kamat may be inducted into the BJP and given a major position in the state government, considering Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's deteriorating health.
Kamat was second in command in the BJP till 2005 when he switched over to the Congress.
The senior Congress leader, who held reigns of the state from 2007 to 2012, left for Delhi on Sunday. "I am leaving for Delhi on a business trip. It is purely personal," Kamat said before boarding the flight to Delhi from the Goa airport.
Amid rumours over joining the saffron party, Congress leader Digambar Kamat dispelled speculations saying he won’t commit political suicide by joining BJP.
Through the day, there was a buzz that Kamat - who moved from the BJP to the Congress in 2005 - is likely to switch sides again.
As per a NDTV report, Kamat reconfirmed his purpose of Delhi’s trip as a “personal one.” This was also highlighted by Goa Congress unit chief Girish Chodankar, who accused the BJP of spreading rumours about Kamat.
"This is a game plan of the BJP's dirty tricks department which is spreading rumours to malign the image of Kamat and the Congress," he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
Chief Minister @manoharparrikar's health condition is extremely critical. Doctors are trying their best.
— CMO Goa (@goacm) March 17, 2019
Goa CM Manohar Parrikar passed away on Sunday, 17 March, after battling pancreatic cancer for a year.
Extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Shri Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister of Goa, after an illness borne with fortitude and dignity. An epitome of integrity and dedication in public life, his service to the people of Goa and of India will not be forgotten #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 17, 2019
Condolence meet of late Goa CM Manohar Parrikar will be held in the Union Cabinet at 11 am on Monday.
I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Goa CM, Shri Manohar Parrikar Ji, who bravely battled a debilitating illness for over a year.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 17, 2019
Respected and admired across party lines, he was one of Goa’s favourite sons.
My condolences to his family in this time of grief.
Manohar Parrikar leaves behind many admirers, many who looked upon him as an idol. My condolences to his loved ones, colleagues & supporters. Om Shanti 🙏🏼
— Chowkidar Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 17, 2019
Parrikar ji has shown the entire nation how a BJP Karyakarta, even during his toughest time, is committed to the philosophy of Nation First, Party Next and Self Last.
— Chowkidar Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 17, 2019
He will always be remembered for his contributions as India’s Defence Minister and as CM of Goa. pic.twitter.com/jiKNGoOZrj
Deeply saddened and pained by the demise of my dear friend & Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Manohar Parrikar. He was known for his honesty, integrity and simplicity. He served the nation and the state of Goa with great diligence. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.
— Chowkidar Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 17, 2019
Extremely saddened to know about the sad demise of our beloved and stalwart leader Shri Manohar Parrikar Ji. His exemplary leadership will continue to inspire us and serve as a benchmark.
— Chowkidar Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) March 17, 2019
Manohar Parrikar had been a rare personality with rare characteristics. A top politician he lived as a common man ,his undiluted integrity , honest behaviour made him an inspiring character for posterity.
— Chowkidar Prof Rakesh Sinha (@RakeshSinha01) March 17, 2019
Exceedingly sad to lose Mr Parrikar.
— Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) March 17, 2019
A thorough gentleman, who battled with poor health yet gave himself to work till the last moment of his life.
A man of high principles who loved simplicity. I recall my meeting with him for prison programs in Goa.
May his soul rest in peace
In his passing, the nation in general and Goa in particular lost its proud son.
— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) March 17, 2019
My heartfelt condolences to the members of his bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace.#Parrikar
Saddened to hear about the Demise of Shri. Manohar Parrikar, friend, CM of Goa, former Defence Minister of India, and fellow parliamentarian. My Deepest Condolences to his family.
— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) March 17, 2019
May He Rest In Peace 🙏
My condolences to the bereaved family of Shri. Manohar Parrikar. I met him only once, when he graciously visited my mother at the hospital two years ago. May his soul rest in peace.
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) March 17, 2019
Deeply saddened by the demise of Goa Chief Minister and former Defence Minister, Shri Manohar Parrikar ji. He lived a very simple life. His contribution to the nation will never be forgotten. May God give strength to his family to bear this tragic loss.#RIPManoharParrikar pic.twitter.com/mwp9QTcei8
— Ram Vilas Paswan (@irvpaswan) March 17, 2019
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that Parrikar was his close friend and the BJP has suffered a huge loss with his death.
“BJP has faced a huge loss with the demise of Manohar Parrikar Ji. Apart from being a party member, he was a really close friend of mine. He isn't with me today and I'm personally very pained by this. I am immediately leaving for Goa,” he said.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said that Parrikar’s demise has left a void in Indian politics.
“He (Goa CM Manohar Parrikar) was a good human being. His passing away has left a huge gap in politics, we have lost a good politician. His demise has caused us immense grief. I express my grief and I pay my tributes on behalf of my party and myself,” he said.
Extremely saddened to hear about the demise of Chief Minister of Goa, Thiru Manohar Parrikar.
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) March 17, 2019
On behalf of DMK, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and fellow party persons.
India will be eternally grateful to Shri Manohar Parrikar for his tenure as our Defence Minister. When he was RM, India witnessed a series of decisions that enhanced India’s security capacities, boosted indigenous defence production and bettered the lives of ex-servicemen.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2019
I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Shri Manohar Parrikar, CM of Goa. We have lost an able and industrious administrator who made his mark with his simple demeanour and extraordinary intellect.
— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) March 17, 2019
My sincere condolences to his family members.
The Centre has announced national mourning on 18 March, following demise of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. A state funeral will be accorded to him. The National Flag will fly at half-mast in the national capital and capitals of states and union territories.
Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu expressed condolences over Parrikar’s death.
“Deepest condolences over the untimely death of former Defence Minister and Chief Minister of Goa Manohar Parrikar. May his soul rest in peace. May God give strength and support to the bereaved family at this saddest hour,” he said.
Manohar Parrikar was an embodiment of integrity, simplicity and high moral standards in public life. On this unfortunate occasion, I pray to the Almighty to give strength to the family of Late Shri Parrikar ji. Om Shanti... pic.twitter.com/ADR8gRkOz2
— Chowkidar Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) March 17, 2019
Saddened to know about the demise of senior BJP leader Shri Manohar Parrikar ji, Chief Minister of Goa. He always led by example in his public life & was loved by masses. He will be missed by everyone of us. May God render peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti ॐ शान्ति
— Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) March 17, 2019
We have lost an ideal leader, with whom I had worked since he entered the BJP. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and his supporters. Om Shanti.
— Chowkidar Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) March 17, 2019
Program plan of Shri Manohar Parrikar's final journey. pic.twitter.com/F48awpxoMW
— CMO Goa (@goacm) March 17, 2019
In the aftermath of Manohar Parrikar’s death, schools and other education institutes in Goa will remain closed on Monday, 18 March.
As a mark of respect for the late Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, a seven day state of mourning will be observed throughout Goa from 18-24 March, both days inclusive.
During the period, the National Flag will fly at Half Mast on all buildings across Goa and there'll be no official entertainment, ANI reported.
In addition, all state government offices, local-autonomous bodies, public sector undertakings, educational institutions will remain closed on Monday, 18 March.
Goa Governor Mridula Sinha on Sunday, 17 March, remembered chief minister Manohar Parrikar as a "social worker" and an able administrator who raised the stature of his home state to the highest level.
The governor also said that vacuum created by the demise of Parrikar would be difficult to fill.
"As a political leader, he had, in his own way, chartered a new approach to various problems and succeeded in resolving many of them by his sincere personality (sic)," she said, as per PTI.
"Parrikar was an able administrator who has raised the stature of the state of Goa to the highest level. He created an ideal for all the leaders to emulate and follow his path," the governor added.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday described Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar as a highly-qualified leader of the masses who left his stamp in politics.
"It is shocking news for us. Highly qualified, leader of masses and true son of the soil has left us. As Goa CM, leader of opposition in Goa and as Defence minister, he left his stamp on every post he held," Fadnavis said, as per PTI.
"When Goa was going through political turmoil, the solution came in the form of Parrikar. He offered a stable government and took the state forward," Fadnavis added.
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, while offering condolences after Manohar Parrikar’s demise, said, "The country has lost its great son in the form of Parrikar. He was an embodiment of simplicity, though he served as chief minister of Goa multiple times as well as defence minister."
"He served the country in its critical times. When the Uri terror attack took place during his tenure, he led the surgical strike. He was not only a hope to the BJP but also to the country," Thackeray said, as per PTI.
In his condolence, Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao said, "Shri Manohar Parrikar was one of the most brilliant, cultured and visionary leaders in the contemporary politics of India.”
"As leader of the Opposition in the Goa Legislative Assembly, as Chief Minister of Goa and as Defence Minister of India, he discharged his duty with utmost dedication, sincerity and commitment," Rao said, as per PTI.
"Parrikar had a vision of development and a strong urge for the welfare of the people. A suave leader, Parrikar had friends cutting across the political lines. Parrikar served the people of his state till his last breath. His life was a Karma Yagya in the service of the people. In his demise, the nation has lost a luminous star in public life," the Maharashtra governor said.
All official programmes of the BJP, including the CEC scheduled for Monday, 18 March, have been cancelled, following the demise of Former Defence Minister and Goa CM Manohar Parrikar, ANI reported.
The launch of the second poster of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's biopic of the same name was also postponed.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who passed away on Sunday, often sought out influential Catholic Church leaders for opinions before taking "far reaching decisions" for the benefit of Goa, Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao said, as per IANS.
In his condolence message, Ferrao, whose influential Roman Catholic Church has had several run-ins with the Bharatiya Janata Party-led governments in the coastal state including those run by Parrikar, also said the 63-year-old politician's "sense of secularism and communal harmony and respect for the various religions, cultures and traditions of the people have been generally appreciated by the population".
Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday, 17 March, condoled the death of his Goan counterpart, Manohar Parrikar.
"Extremely saddened to hear the passing away of the Chief Minister of Goa Manohar Parrikar. He was respected by all across political lines. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones," tweeted Kumaraswamy.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled the death of her Goa counterpart Manohar Parrikar, who passed away at his private residence on Sunday, 17 March.
"Saddened at the passing away of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. He patiently endured his illness. Condolences to his family and his admirers," Banerjee said in a tweet.
Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi also expressed grief over the demise of the former defence minister. "Shri Parrikar was among those public representatives, who always worked for the poor and downtrodden people," he said, as per PTI.
After the demise of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday, the BJP-led coalition in Goa began discussions to find a new leader to replace him.
A meeting was held on Sunday which was attended by three MLAs of the Goa Forward Party, including its chief Vijai Sardesai and three MGP MLAs led by state Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar.
BJP state organisational general secretary Satish Dhond, Independent MLA and state Revenue Minister Rohan Khaunte and state Art and Culture Minister Govind Gawade were also present.
Allies in the Goa government Sunday said they would meet Union minister Nitin Gadkari to discuss the leadership issue, Dhavalikar said, as per PTI.
Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday condoled the demise of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
"I am deeply saddened to hear the demise of Manohar Parrikar. He was an outstanding leader and best known for his administrative acumen. He contributed immensely to the growth of Goa in particular and the country in general," Mukhi said in a statement, as per PTI.
Sonowal said he was saddened to learn about the death of Parrikar. "A people's leader respected for his humility & immense love for the nation, his passing away has left a huge void in India's public life. My sincere condolences," he wrote on Twitter.
Vijai Sardesai, of the Goa Forward Party, said late on Sunday, 17 March, that his party had given support to Manohar Parrikar and not the BJP.
“Now that he is not anymore... options are open. We want stability in Goa, we don't want dissolution of House. We'll wait for the decision at the BJP legislature meeting and then take the next step,” he said, as per ANI.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari arrived in Goa in the early hours of Monday, 18 March, by a midnight flight to decide on the leadership issue in the state following the demise of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
Gadkari, who had successfully managed to cobble together a coalition in the state under the leadership of Parrikar in 2017, will be holding discussions with the BJP Goa legislature wing during the night.
The senior leader is also scheduled to meet alliance partners, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, Goa Forward Party and Independents, who had given support to the Parrikar-led government.
"The new chief minister will be sworn in by tomorrow morning," a senior BJP functionary said.
Earlier, leaders from a regional political party, who were part of the BJP-led alliance government, had said that all decisions about “a fresh bid for power will be taken after a discussion with Gadkari”, as per PTI.
Sudin Dhavalikar of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, after meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, said that a decision will be made about the CM candidate soon after discussions with the MLAs.
“I'm going to the executive committee of my party, I will ask them to have a resolution. After one hour, we will know who is the candidate,” Dhavalikar said.
Union Minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari, who arrived in Panaji in the early hours of Monday, 18 March, could not secure a consensus between the saffron party and its alliance partners in the state, party MLA Michael Lobo said.
While Gadkari was not available for comments, Lobo said Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) MLA Sudin Dhavalikar wanted to be the chief minister due to which the discussions came to a halt.
"Dhavalikar wants himself to be the CM, while the BJP wants that the leader of the alliance should be from their camp. We could not reach to any decision," Lobo told reporters outside a hotel after a night-long meeting.
He said a solution to the crisis is expected to be found later in the day.
The High Court of Bombay at Goa and District Courts in the state to remain closed on Monday, 18 March, in view of the passing away of Manohar Parrikar, reported ANI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah will attend late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s funeral in Goa later today, reported NDTV.
“Definitely, among the 12 of us BJP MLAs should lead the state. It is but obvious,” said Ticlo, speaking to ANI.
Goa BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar said that decision on the next chief minister will be taken by 2 pm and that the swearing-in ceremony would be held after 3 pm in Panaji, reported PTI
Goa Congress leaders have reached Raj Bhavan to meet the Governor, reported News18.
“We met the Governor and staked claim to form government as we are the single largest party in the state. We have 14 MLAs and we should be given the chance to form the government. We have told that we will prove majority.”Chandrakant Kavlekar, Congress leader
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari who held talks with BJP leaders and Mahatashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) leaders to select new Goa chief minister has said that the BJP has decided the next Goa chief minister but the issue is with the allies.
BJP President Amit Shah,Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and BJP Goa MLAs including Pramod Sawant arrive at a Hotel in Panaji for a meeting.
Assembly Speaker Pramod Sawant is likely to be the next chief minister of Goa, reported CNN-News18.
According to the news channel, Sudin Dhavalikar and Vijai Sardesai will be the deputy chief ministers.
Amid rumours that Pramod Sawant is the new chief minister of Goa, state BJP chief Vinay Tendulkar said that the decision is yet to be made.
“Aise mera bhi naam aa raha hai, sabka naam aa raha hai, aise to naam aate rahenge, abhi vidhayak baithenge aur decide karenge, aaj to pakka hojaega. (There are a lot of names doing the rounds, even mine is. However the MLAs will sit and decide a final name. It will be decided today itself.)”
Goa Assembly Speaker Pramod Sawant will be the next chief minister of the state, reported PTI quoting party sources.
Goa Forward Party (GFP) Chief Vijai Sardesai and Mahatashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) MLA Sudin Dhavalikar would be the deputy chief ministers. The swearing-in ceremony is likely to be held at 9 pm tonight.
The BJP managed to break the deadlock in Goa by accepting their demand for deputy CM's posts.
BJP party President Amit Shah, who was in the state to pay last respects to late chief minister Manohar Parrikar, has said that union minister Nitin Gadkari is in a meeting with the allies and the independents and will announce the decision shortly.
Swearing-in ceremony of the next Goa chief minister will be held at 11 pm, reported PTI quoting officials.
Goa's Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo on Monday said that the swearing-in of the new Chief Minister, which was scheduled to be held at 11 pm at the Raj Bhavan, has been called off.
"There many things which are to be discussed among allies and BJP leaders. The swearing-in will not happen at 11 p.m. tonight," the BJP MLA told reporters at a city resort near here.
A day after Goa CM Manohar Parrikar's demise, Legislative Assembly Speaker Pramod Sawant is set to be sworn in as his successor.
Reports suggest that the BJP managed to persuade its partners to accept Sawant after talks that started soon after the chief minister's death and continued overnight.
Sudhin Dhavalikar of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Vijay Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party will be deputy Chief Ministers as part of the understanding between the BJP and its allies, NDTV reported.
BJP leaders and party allies have reached the Raj Bhavan to stake claim to form the government in Goa following Manohar Parrikar’s demise on Sunday, 17 March. Nitin Gadkari is also at Raj Bhawan to oversee the development.
Sunil Kawthankar of the Goa Congress said late on Monday, 18 March, that the part strongly condemns the “undemocratic action of Goa Governor Mridula Sinha “for not allowing the single largest party to form the govt and allowing BJP to carry on horse trading despite it not having sufficient numbers to form the govt.”
“Governor acting as agent of BJP. It'll be remembered as darkest day in Indian democracy where there's vacuum in government for over 24 hours of declaration of CM's death,” he said, as per ANI.
Goa Assembly Speaker and BJP leader Pramod Sawant is set to be sworn-in as the new chief minister of Goa following Manohar Parrikar’s demise.
Sawant represents the Sanqelim constituency in Central Goa. During Parrikar's illness, Sawant was tasked with attending various public functions on his behalf.
Born on 24 April 1973, and a student of Ayurveda, Sawant is a medical practitioner by profession. His wife Sulakshana Sawant is currently the President of the Goa unit of the BJP Mahila Morcha.
Read more about Sawant here
“It is a very big responsibility that the party has given me. I will try my best to fulfil it. I am what I am today because of Manohar Parrikar.”
Michael Lobo, currently the deputy speaker, is set to become the interim speaker after the speaker, Pramod Sawant, was sworn in as the state’s new chief minister on Tuesday, 19 March.
“It'll be my responsibility to complete the incomplete works. I will not be able to work as much as Manohar Parrikarji but I will definitely try to work as much as possible,” he said, as per ANI.
Best wishes to Dr. Pramod Sawant and his team as they begin their journey towards fulfilling the dreams of the people of Goa. I am sure they will build on the work done in the last few years and boost Goa’s growth trajectory.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 19, 2019
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that there will be a floor test on Wednesday, 20 March. He requested people to not congratulate him as the state is on a 7-day mourning period
"We are going for the floor test tomorrow. There will 2 deputy CMs in this government- Vijay Sardesai and Sudin Dhavalikar. And I request all the people to not congratulate me or welcome me with flowers during the 7-day mourning period," Sawant said.
After being sworn in as the chief minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant has exhibited confidence and said, “We have 21 MLAs, we will pass the floor test tomorrow. Our coalition partners are with us.”
Goa Governor Mridula Sinha has summoned the Legislative Assembly of Goa, to meet at Assembly Hall tomorrow at 11.30 am.
The BJP has moved its Goa lawmakers to a five-star hotel ahead of the trust vote, reported NDTV, quoting sources.
he party claims support of 21 legislators – 12 from the BJP and three each from the allies Goa Forward Party (GFP) and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), three Independents. The Goa State Assembly is a 40-member House, but has been reduced to 36, after the death of two lawmakers and the resignation of two Congress lawmakers.
“We have 100 percent confidence that we will win,” said Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ahead of floor test.
BJP leader and Goa Minister Mauvin Godinho, moving a condolence motion over Manohar Parrikar's demise said that the former chief minister was the state's pride. He added that every Goan should try and get close to what Parrikar stood for.
"Manohar Parrikar's vision was to build a modern Goa. His vision was to improve the quality of lives of Goans. He worked until his last breath for the welfare of Goa," said Godinho.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
