The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) asked all it’s MLAs to remain in the state amid reports that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s health is deteriorating.
The Goa BJP general secretary Sadanand Tanawade speaking to the news agency ANI said the legislators have been told not to leave the state. The BJP leaders held a midnight meeting at the party headquarters in Panaji. A meeting is scheduled for Sunday and a decision on Parrikar’s replacement would be discussed.
Senior BJP leader and Deputy Speaker in Goa Assembly Michael Lobo confirmed on Sunday morning that the Mr. Parrikar’s health had deteriorated. He added that the party will soon take a decision on Parrikar’s replacement.
Goa Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo to ANI: Last evening, at BJP MLAs meeting, a discussion was held over Digambar Kamat joining BJP. The decision on whether he will be the CM will be taken by central leadership. (File pic-Goa Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo) pic.twitter.com/tCrBK7L7Us
— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2019
It would be a very difficult job for the BJP to choose a next chief minister, as it’s allies might want to “rethink” the alliance. Most of the allies agreed to ally with the BJP only because of Manohar Parrikar, they forced Parrikar to quit the union cabinet and return to state politics.