Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who has been admitted to hospital, spoke to BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday and it was decided that he would continue as the chief minister of Goa, a party leader said. The statement comes amid rising concern over Parrikar's poor health and reports that the BJP is exploring 'alternatives'.
"Parrikar spoke to Shah and briefed him about the political situation in the state, and also informed him about his health condition. It was decided that Parrikar will continue as the chief minister, but he might give some of his portfolios to his cabinet colleagues," he told PTI.
"By next week, the government will work out the exact arrangement through which the work burden on Parrikar could be reduced. A thought would also be given to replacing the two ailing ministers in the cabinet, Pandurang Madkaikar and Francis D'Souza," the leader said.
Both Madkaikar and D'Souza are currently hospitalised.
Earlier in the day, the Goa BJP held a meeting of its state-level core committee. The core committee later met Parrikar.
News organisations reported on Saturday morning the BJP was planning to send a team to Goa to assess the political situation in the state and consider alternative arrangements after Parrikar reportedly conveyed to Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi it would be difficult for him to continue as chief minister.
Parrikar, who returned from the US after medical check-up on September 7, was admitted to a private hospital at Candolim in North Goa district Thursday evening.
Earlier this year, Parrikar underwent three-month-long treatment in the US for a pancreatic ailment.
