Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was today accorded a rousing welcome by BJP workers in Goa, the state he had helmed before being elevated to the Union cabinet in recent expansion.
Thousands of party workers welcomed the former chief minister after he landed at the airport this evening on his first visit to his home state.
Parrikar was brought to Panaji in a huge procession stretching 40 kms, and was received on the way by various constituency-level committees of BJP.
"BJP workers are very happy to receive their leader in Goa. This was a time to celebrate as he is arriving for the first time after taking over the responsibility as Defence Minister," state unit BJP president Vinay Tendulkar said.
Parrikar, who led the party to historic success during 2012 Assembly elections, was invited by the Prime Minister to join the Union cabinet.
He was succeeded by senior leader Laxmikant Parsekar who took oath as new chief minister of the coastal state last week.
"Parrikar will be in the state for next two days and will hold meetings with Parsekar on crucial issues concerning the state," Tendulkar said.
Parsekar had yesterday said that he would be holding meetings with Parrikar to decide on the portfolio allocations to various ministers who are already inducted in the cabinet.
