(Video credit: ANI)
The drama that began on Sunday evening has come to an end today. Manohar Parrikar has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Goa. Along with Manohar Parrikar, 9 other designated ministers have taken the oath as well.
Ministers who took the oath:
Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Goa Forward Party (GFP), Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), Independents (Ind)
Sudin Dhavalikar (MGP), Vijay Sardessai (GFP), Francis D’Souza (BJP), Manohar (Babu) Azgaonkar (MGP), Rohan Khaunte (Ind), Pandurang Madkaikar (BJP), Govind Gawade (Ind), Vinod Palyekar (GFP) and Jayesh Salgaonkar (GFP).
Total: BJP 3, MGP 2, GFP 3, Ind 2.
Narendra Modi and Rajnath Singh congratulated Manohar Parrikar
“Congratulations to Manohar Parrikar and his team on being sworn in. My best wishes in taking Goa to new heights of progress” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on twitter.
“I am confident that Goa will scale new heights in areas of development and good governance under the able leadership of Shri Manohar Parrikar,” said Union home Minister Rajnath Singh congratulating Manohar Parrikar.
The ceremony was attended by BJP national President Amit Shah and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Former Goa CM Laxmikant Parsekar was seen sitting on the dais during the oath taking ceremony along with Governor Mridula Sinha and current CM Manohar Parrikar.
“…We have MGP, Goa Forward and two and a half Independents. More than 55 percent Goans are thus represented. Thus, we have a post-election coalition. This is adequate proof for floor of the House. We will prove it. Let everyone be very clear – 365 x 5 years,” said Manohar Parrikar addressing the media after the oath taking ceremony, as reported by the Indian Express.
Protest witnessed outside the Raj Bhavan
A group of protesters was seen outside Raj Bhavan (Governor’s residence). A few prominent faces from Goa were seen with the protesters. The protesters were seen chanting slogans and holding placards. A large number of policemen were seen providing security and handling the protesters at the same time. A few office bearers of GFP boycotted the ceremony.
Court orders to prove majority
In an urgently held session, the Supreme court has ordered the BJP led Coalition government in Goa to prove their majority in the next 48 hours. The floor test is scheduled for March 16 at 11 AM. Senior most MLA has been ordered to be the protem (temporary) speaker for the session.
