Parrikar continues to be guiding force of BJP's poll campaign in Goa: Nilesh Cabral

Goa Power Minister Nilesh Cabral on Thursday said that ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will continue to be the guiding force behind the Goa BJP's campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly by-polls.

"Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will continue to be the guiding force behind the Goa BJP's campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly by-polls," Cabral said in a press conference here.

Stating that his guidance is enough for the BJP, Cabral stated: "We know that the Chief Minister is not well. And with his blessing and guidance, we are all working... Tomorrow what we will do, is all under his guidance. Unfortunately, he is not active in the field. But he is actively guiding us in all directions. I think that is enough for us."

Taking note of Parrikar's health, the Opposition had said earlier that Parrikar should honourably resign from the post due to his health issues.

Speaking to ANI, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary and transgender activist Apsara Reddy said: "Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar who is suffering from advanced cancer should step down as an unhealthy chief minister cannot lead a healthy and happy state."

On March 3, Parrikar underwent a check-up at the state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), and was later allowed to go home as his health condition is stable, said an official of the Chief Minister's Office.

The Chief Minister, who was diagnosed with a pancreatic ailment, has been in and out of hospitals in Goa, Mumbai Delhi, and New York since February last year.

Last month, he was admitted to the state's Medical College for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Dispelling rumours about Parrikar's condition, Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane had earlier said that the Chief Minister was doing well and his health condition was stable.

Parrikar, who has made public appearances, was seen wearing medical paraphernalia -- a nasogastric tube -- while attending a session of the Goa Assembly.