Goa floor test on Wednesday: Official

Panaji, March 19

Goa Governor Mridula Sinha has called a special session of Goa Assembly on Wednesday for the state government under new Chief Minister Pramod Sawant  to prove it held majority in the House, an official said.

Sawant, previously Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly, was picked on Monday as late chief minister Manohar Parrikar’s successor after talks with allies. Sawant, considered Parrikar’s protégé, took oath a little before 2 am on Tuesday—hours after Parrikar, who died of pancreatic cancer on Sunday, was cremated.

BJP’s quick move to appoint a successor was to prevent their rival Congress party from wresting power in the state. 

Speaking to the press earlier in the day after he met Parrikar’s family at their their private residence at Dona Paula near here around noon, Sawant said his priority would be to reach out to every person, and carry forward the “glorious legacy” of good governance left behind by Parrikar.

“Manohar Parrikar is a father-like figure for me. He was my inspiration...everything. I am here only because of him...I became MLA, then Speaker, and now CM only because of Parrikar,” Sawant told reporters after meeting kin of the late chief minister.

When asked to list his priorities, Sawant said, “As a chief minister, my aim would be to reach out to every person and complete his works.”

Sawant also appealed that he not be greeted with bouquets for being the new CM, as the state is in mourning.

“I have taken charge with great humility and gratitude towards my idol and mentor Manohar bhai (Parrikar). I seek your blessings and support to carry forward the glorious legacy of commitment towards good governance,” he said.

In the wake of the fluid political situation in Goa and Congress’ repeated attempts to wrest power, the BJP leadership ensured that the new chief minister was in place quickly.

Sawant was sworn in by Governor Mridula Sinha at Raj Bhavan at 1.50 am.

Sinha also administered the oath of office to 11 other ministers, including those from the BJP’s allies MGP and the GFP.

Parrikar died at his private residence on Sunday evening due to pancreatic cancer. He was cremated with full state and military honours on Monday evening. Agencies