BJP to finalise new Goa CM candidate today, meeting going on

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said that a decision on the name of next Goa chief minister will be taken today and discussion with allies is ongoing to finalise the name.

"We haven't taken a final decision. We are speaking with all the concerned people. There is no dispute on who will lead the BJP and it has been finalised but we are in talks with alliance partners," said Gadkari.

Goa BJP chief Vinay Tendulkar also affirmed that a decision will be taken on Monday. However, he refused to divulge any names.

On being asked about the reports that Goa Assembly Speaker Pramod Sawant to be next Goa CM, he said: "These are speculations. There is also my name and almost everyone's name is floating around."

Deputy Speaker and Calangute BJP MLA Michael Lobo also said that the final decision will be taken today.

On being asked about any discontent with allies, he said, "They have been given a proposal, which is being examined and will be finalised."

Lobo said the next Chief Minister will be a BJP MLA.

BJP president Amit Shah, and BJP Goa MLAs including Pramod Sawant also reached the hotel here for the meeting.

Earlier on Sunday night, Union Minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari had landed in Panaji, following the death of Parrikar, and met leaders of alliance partners of the state's coalition government but failed to reach a consensus on the leadership issue.

Parrikar passed away on Sunday here at the age of 63 after a prolonged battle with cancer.