Manohar Parrikar to meet BJP leaders today, not to be replaced as Goa CM

Amid opposition’s relentless demand for his resignation, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will meet state BJP MLAs, ministers and government officials at his private residence on Saturday, according to reports. "The CM will first meet officials and take stock of governance in the morning, followed by a meeting with BJP MLAs and ministers," a senior Chief Ministers Office functionary told PTI on Friday. He added that Parrikar's health is better now.

The chief minister had earlier held a Cabinet meeting on October 31 and met party officials the next day. 

Early on Friday, Goa Forward Party chief and Agriculture minister Vijai Sardesai confirmed their decision to not replace ailing Manohar Parrikar as the chief minister of the state.

Read | Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar wants to resign, but BJP won't let him, claims Vijay Sardesai

Parikkar, 62, is currently undergoing treatment for a pancreatic ailment at his residence since his discharge from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. He returned to Goa on October 14.

Sardesai, however, on Friday told reporters that he met Parrikar on November 28.

“I had met the CM while coming back from the closing ceremony function of IFFI (International Film Festival of India) (on November 28). He is fine. Where is the question of replacing him?” Sardesai said.

Read | Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has pancreatic cancer: State health minister

While the ruling BJP has maintained that Parrikar has been looking after the affairs of governance even as he undergoes treatment, the state’s opposition parties, and occasionally allies in the state government, have alleged that his health-related absence was bringing the administration to a standstill.

(With inputs from agencies)