Arlekar joins Goa cabinet

Former Goa Assembly Speaker Rajendra Arlekar was today sworn in as a cabinet minister in the Laxmikant Parsekar government at a simple function held here.
Governor of Goa Mridula Sinha administered the oath of office and secrecy to Arlekar in the presence of a host of dignitaries, cabinet ministers, BJP MLA party functionaries and senior government officers at the Raj Bhavan.
61-year-old Arlekar was inducted into the cabinet berth which fell vacant following the resignation of controversial MLA Francisco Pacheco after the Supreme Court upheld his conviction for slapping a government official. Pacheco is currently serving a six-month jail term.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said he welcomed his newest cabinet colleague but declined to say which portfolio will be alloted to him.
"A decision on a minor cabinet reshuffle will be taken next week," Parsekar said.
Arlekar, being a senior member of ruling BJP, is expected to be given a plum portfolio.

Parsekar leads a coalition government of BJP along with regional parties Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Goa Vikas Party who have three and two MLAs respectively.
While MGP has two ministers, GVP's lone minister was Pacheco.
Earlier in the day, Arlekar tendered his resignation as Speaker to join the cabinet. He is expected to be succeeded by current Deputy Speaker Anant Shet, also a BJP MLA.