Parrikar to join PM Modi's Cabinet on Nov. 9, says it's difficult to leave Goa

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday said that he would be joining Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet on November 9, but added it's difficult for him to leave the state.

"I have briefed the Cabinet of the invitation from the Prime Minister to join his Cabinet on November 9th afternoon. It is very difficult for me to leave the state," said Parrikar.

He informed that he will tender his resignation tomorrow at around 11:30 am.

Parrikar said the nation is his priority above all.

"I have lost my wife about 12-13 years ago, it is difficult family wise, but nation is first," Parrikar added.

The Goa Chief Minister will be leaving for Lucknow on Monday to file his nomination for the Rajya Sabha.

Earlier today, Parrikar had said that the decision over the next state chief will be taken after he resigns.

According to reports, Goa Assembly Speaker Rajendra Arlekar and state's Health Minister Laxmikant Parsekar are the frontrunners in the race for the Chief Minister's post.

Parrikar had last evening indicated that he may join the Union Cabinet at the Centre, saying the BJP has asked him to take any assignment that Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers.

According to sources, 58-year-old Parrikar may be given the Defence portfolio.

The Goa Chief Minister had earlier on Wednesday held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah in the national capital, leading to speculations that he may be given a Cabinet berth.

Among others, BJP vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi is expected to be allotted a Cabinet berth.

BJP leader Yashwant Sinha's son Jayant too is in the race for the Cabinet berth, with reports suggesting that he is being considered as a Minister of State (MoS) for Defence or Finance. Other key people expected to be promoted are MoS Nirmala Sitharaman and Haryana leader Birender Singh.