Manohar Parrikar, who resigned as Defence Minister, is expected to take oath as Goa Chief Minister at 5 pm tomorrow. He will have 15 days to prove his majority in  the House.

The press release from Rupesh Kumar Thakur, Governor’s Secretary, stated that Governor Mridula Sinha had appointed Manohar Parrikar, the leader of Goa BJP Legislature Party, as the Chief Minister of Goa.

BJP High Command heeded to the pressure of 13 newly-elected MLAs who wanted Manohar Parrikar as their Chief Minister. Three MLAs each of Goa Forward Party (GFP) and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) also extended their support to Manohar Parrikar.

The lone NCP MLA and an Independent MLA also joined the coalition extending their  support to BJP. With this, BJP has achieved the magic number of 21 MLAs to form the Government.

Tomorrow’s swearing-in ceremony will also witness 10 other MLAs taking oath as Ministers.

Sources said that Manohar Parrikar will contest the by-election from Mapusa seat, which was won by Francis D’Souza and in return D’Souza, will receive a Rajya Sabha seat.