Goa: Parrikar elected leader of BJP legislature party

Technocrat-turned-politician Manohar Parrikar is all set to become chief minister of Goa for the third time after the Bharatiya Janata Party- Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party combine lapped up 24 seats to rule the 40-member house.

BJP legislative wing on Wednesday unanimously elected Parrikar as its leader, the decision also backed by its alliance partner MGP.

The combine which won 24 seats -- BJP (21) and MGP (3) --will now stake claim to form the government before Goa Governor K Sankarnarayanan.

The ruling Congress was relegated to 9 while its alliance partner NCP drew a blank in the March 3 assembly polls, counting for which was held on Tuesday.

The BJP-MGP alliance has claimed to have support of 26 legislators, including two independents – Benjamin Silva (Velim) and Avertano Furtado (Navelim).

Senior BJP leaders Venkaiah Naidu and Ravi Shankar Prasad are overseeing the process of government formation.

BJP legislature wing which met at a city hotel in Panaji first time since the results were out passed a joint resolution electing Parrikar as their leader.

"The decision was unanimous. Parrikar's name was suggested and everyone accepted it," a senior BJP leader said. Parrikar got the first taste of power in the state in 2000 when he was elected the Chief Minister, becoming the first IITian to head a state government. However, the stint was shortlived in the state known for its fragile politics and he had to demit office in early 2002.

Parrikar returned to power a few months later but had to quit in 2005 after a few MLAs withdrew support to him.

The state was put under President's Rule after his exit in March 2005.