Goa CM Pramod Sawant Wins Floor Test as 20 MLAs Vote in Favour

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant won the floor test after 20 MLAs voted in his favour in the state Assembly on Wednesday, 20 March. The Congress-led Opposition managed to gather only 15 votes.

The party claimed 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.

Following Goa CM Manohar Parrikar's demise on Sunday, Legislative Assembly Speaker Sawant was sworn in as his successor in the early hours of Tuesday. His elevation to the top post in the coastal state followed hectic parleys between the BJP and its alliance partners.

After the Congress had dispatched a letter to Governor Mridula Sinha, to stake claim to form the government, the BJP had swung into action to discuss its next course of action.

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.

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is “critical” and the doctors are “trying their best”, said the CM’s office on Sunday, 17 March.

Goa CM Manohar Parrikar passed away on Sunday, 17 March, after battling pancreatic cancer for a year.

President Of India Ram Nath Kovind expressed condolences on Twitter.

Condolence meet of late Goa CM Manohar Parrikar will be held in the Union Cabinet at 11 am on Monday.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to express condolences.

Union Minister Smriti Irani took to Twitter to express grief and said that Parrikar was an idol for many.

BJP President Amit shah took to Twitter to condole Manohar Parrikar’s demise.

“Manohar Parrikar is no more with us, it's not only a loss for BJP but also for the society. From modernisation of the forces to the first surgical strikes under PM Modi's leadership, he gave a good account of his administrative qualities,” Shah said, as per ANI.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh took to twitter to express grief and said that he was extremely pained by the death of his “dear friend” Manohar Parrikar.

He will leave for Goa on Monday for Parrikar's last rites ceremony.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that Parrikar’s exemplary leadership will continue to inspire many.

BJP leader Rakesh Sinha took to Twitter to say that Parrikar was a rare personality with rare characteristics.

Puducherry Governor Kiran Bedi said that she was sad to lose a thorough gentleman like Manohar Parrikar.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said that Goa and the nation lost a proud son with Manohar Parrikar.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi took to Twitter to say that she had met Parrikar only once and expressed condolences to his family.

Ram Vilas Paswan took to Twitter to say that Parrikar’s contribution to the nation will never be forgotten.

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.

DMK leader MK Stalin said that he was saddened by Parrikar’s death.

NCP Chief Sharad Pawar took to Twitter to say that India has lost an able and industrious administrator with Parrikar’s death.

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.

Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani took to Twitter to express condolences over the death of Manohar Parrikar and said that he was an embodiment of integrity.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley took to Twitter to express condolences over Manohar Parrikar’s death.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said that Parrikar fought cancer like a brave soldier and India lost an ideal leader.

Goa Chief Minister Office in a tweet announced that the last rites of Manohar Parrikar will be conducted on Monday, 18 March at 5 pm in Panaji.

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.

Goa Congress leaders Girish Chodankar and Chandrakant Kavlekar wrote a letter to the state’s governor, Mridula Sinha, staking claim to form the government after the demise of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday, 17 March, as per ANI.

"Coalition partners of Parrikar-led government had allied with BJP on condition that the government is headed by Manohar Parrikar. BJP, therefore, has no allies as of now," the letter read.

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.

BJP MLA Glenn Ticlo said that the party’s 12 MLAs should be the obvious choice to lead the state.

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.

Congress delegation met Governor Mridula Sinha in Panaji, to stake their claim to form the government.

Goa Congress leader Chandrakant Kavlekar said that his party has 14 MLAs and that they should be given a chance to prove their majority.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi and party leaders observed two-minutes silence at party's public rally in Kalaburagi, to pay last respects to Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.

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

As he gets ready to assume office, Goa Chief Minister-designate Pramod Sawant on Monday night said his party BJP has given him a big responsibility.

Talking to reporters, Sawant, who is currently Speaker of Goa Assembly, confirmed there will be two deputy chief ministers in the new government.

He also credited late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar for bringing him into politics:

Legislative Assembly Speaker and BJP Leader Pramod Sawant took oath as the new chief minister of Goa at the Raj Bhawan in Panaji early on Tuesday, 19 March.

Goa Governor Mridula Sinha had administered the oath of office to 46-year-old Sawant.

Sudhin Dhavalikar of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Vijay Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party were also sworn-in as deputy chief ministers of the tiny state.

Eleven MLAs, part of Parrikar-led cabinet, were also sworn in as ministers.

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.

Newly-appointed Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, speaking to reporters moments after taking oath, said that he will aim to provide “stability and move ahead together with all allies”.

“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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his wishes to the new Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday, 19 March.

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.