Porvorim (Goa): The BJP Goa legislature wing has appointed its senior leader Francis D’Souza as its leader to represent the party in the House, in view of absence of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar who is undergoing treatment for inflamed pancreas at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital.

Party President Vinay Tendulkar chaired the party meeting at Chief Minister’s Office in the Legislative Assembly complex that concluded just a while ago. “Francis D’Souza is senior after CM, so he becomes our leader,” he told reporters after the meeting.

Besides the legislators, MPs Shripad Naik and Narendra Sawaikar also made their presence wherein Health Minister Vishwajit Rane briefed them about CM’s health condition. “CM’s health is stable,” Tendulkar said.

Rane slammed some media reports spreading wrong information about CM’s health. He stated that CM is doing well and responding to the treatment. “There are malicious reports in certain section of the media. These are not facts. CM is fine and advised to take rest so that he doesn’t pick infection.” He said.

Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho also wished CM good health stating ‘Goa needs him.’

On the other hand, Shripad Naik who is tipped to be the next CM, denied any such development.