Parrikar breaks down before media after last cabinet meeting

Tipped as India's next defence minister, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar Friday bid a tearful adieu at a press conference, prompting his staff to hand him a box of tissues, as he sniffled his way through the media briefing after his last cabinet meeting.

Parrikar even warned the media gathered at the State Secretariat about the possibility of his breaking into tears.

He became emotional speaking about the hardships of handling the state finances, especially with a ban on mining and budgetary promises in 2012, which had collectively slashed nearly 40 percent of the incoming finances.

"It is very difficult for me to leave the state. It is difficult from many angles because you have to stay away from the family. I lost my wife about 12-13 years back, so family-wise it is also very difficult. I thought that nation is first," Parrikar said as he broke down repeatedly.

He even cautioned the media not to "take tension" if he broke into tears.

His staff had to fetch a box of soft tissues for his relief.

"So when he called me... you don't say no to a prime minister. I only expected him to give me two-three months, so that I could put things here in order," Parrikar said as he went on to address his last briefing post cabinet meeting.

Parrikar is expected to be sworn in as a union minister in New Delhi Sunday and is expected to submit his resignation to the governor Saturday.