In a development which could embarrass the BJP on the eve of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's impending elevation to the union cabinet, Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza threatened to quit the government if he was not made the chief minister.
The tantrum by D'Souza comes a day before the Bharatiya Janata Party swears in a new chief minister following the elevation of Parrikar to the union cabinet, possibly as defence minister.
"If I am not made chief minister, I do not wish to continue in the government," said D'Souza, who has the backing of six BJP legislators, including at least three Catholic legislators and two independents.
Since Friday morning, a section of BJP's Catholic legislators have been demanding that a Catholic be made the chief minister.
Two of the top contenders for the Goa chief minister's post are Health Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Speaker of the assembly Rajendra Arlekar.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app