Goa cabinet rejig: Ailing ministers dropped, 2 BJP MLAs to be sworn in

Two ailing ministers in the BJP-led coalition government were dropped from the Goa cabinet on Monday, to make way for the induction of two others from the party into the the 12-member cabinet.

A government statement said that BJP MLA from Mormugao, Milind Naik, a former Power Minister, and BJP MLA from Curchorem, Nilesh Cabral, would be inducted into the state cabinet later in the day.

The swearing-in has been scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Raj Bhavan, the statement said.

The ministers who have been dropped from the cabinet are Francis D'Souza, who holds the Urban Development Ministry portfolio and Pandurang Madkaikar, who was in-charge of the Power Ministry.

D'Souza, who is being treated for cancer at a New York hospital, told IANS over the phone: "I am happy with the decision. This is the fruit of working for the party for 20 long years. I have been ill for only one month."

Madkaikar is being treated in Mumbai since June when he suffered a brain stroke.

Bharatiya Janata Party national president Amit Shah on Sunday had hinted at a ministerial rejig in a tweet, which also said that Parrikar, who is being treated for advanced pancreatic cancer at New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences would, however, continue as the Chief Minister.

Parrikar has been in and out of hospitals in Goa, Mumbai, New York and now Delhi, for the last seven months.

--IANS

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