Parrikar distances himself from speculations on getting Cabinet berth

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday distanced himself from the speculation which has been going on in media circles, over his possible elevation as country's next Defence Minister.

"Yesterday I did not have a word on this, so why put the horse before cart," Parrikar told ANI here when asked about the speculation that he may be inducted into the Cabinet.

When asked if this issue came up for discussion during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Goa Chief Minister said, "Ask the Prime Minister about that, I am not going to tell you."

Parrikar met Prime Minister Modi at the latter's official 7, Race Course Residence (RCR) here on Wednesday evening amid speculation that he may be given a Cabinet berth at the Centre. He also had a meeting with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah as well.

Reports indicate that Prime Minister Modi is likely to expand his Cabinet before the winter session of Parliament and Parrikar's name is being mentioned for the defence portfolio. Presently Finance Minister Arun Jaitley holds the additional charge as Defence minister.