New Goa CM takes charge, floor test on Wednesday

Newly appointed Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant took charge on Tuesday morning, after paying a courtesy visit to the family of his predecessor late Manohar Parrikar.

BJP sources said the floor test to prove the majority of the Sawant headed BJP-led coalition government is likely to be conducted on Wednesday.

Before reaching the Chief Minister's Office at the state Secretariat, Sawant (45), who was sworn in as Chief Minister at Raj Bhavan at around 2 a.m. on Tuesday, visited Parrikar's residence and met his sons Utpal and Abhijaat.

"Parrikar's sons Utpal and Abhijaat are my friends. It is my duty to visit them after I become CM. I have not gone to office yet," Sawant told reporters outside Parrikar's residence.

"Parrikar has been my political ideal and guru. He has been a fatherly figure for me. I became MLA, Speaker and CM because of him. It is my courtesy visit," Sawant said.

Sawant also said the 11 cabinet ministers will soon be allocated their portfolios.

Meanwhile, BJP sources said the crucial floor test to prove the majority of the BJP-led dispensation will be held on Wednesday.

"Our BJP MLA and Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo will be the Protem Speaker who will conduct the proceedings of the floor test," a party leader said requesting anonymity.

--IANS

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