No leadership change on cards in Goa, says BJP leader

Goa BJP leader Rajendra Arlekar ruled out Wednesday the possibility of leadership change in the state, claiming that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is capable of handling the situation even though he away.

Parrikar is in the United States for medical treatment.

While the Congress has been demanding that the government should be dismissed owing to Parrikar's absence and the ill-health of two other ministers, there are also rumours that some senior opposition MLAs are on their way to the BJP.

"We do not want leadership change in Goa. The whole party is with Manohar Parrikar and there is no question of leadership change," Arlekar told reporters here.

"Parrikar is capable of handling the situation and with the help of party MLAs and the organisation, he is certainly doing that.

"So...this question of certain people entering BJP and taking charge of ministry, is irrelevant," Arlekar said.

"All those who are spreading such rumours...this message should be clear...we all are with Parrikar and we are not looking at any leadership change," he added.

However, he said that the BJP is not averse to admitting leaders from other parties into its fold to "enhance the party base".

Talking about the ailing BJP ministers Pandurang Madkaikar and Francis D'Souza, he said Parrikar will take decision about them "as and when required."