PANAJI

A senior BJP official has denied Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s return to Goa by June 18 to attend Goa Revolution Day event, as suggested by an official state Home Department memo. 

Parrikar, who is currently undergoing treatment for an advanced pancreatic ailment in the US, is scheduled to return by June 18, an official memorandum claimed so on Monday, June 11.

The memo issued by the state Home Department, which comes under Parrikar, mentioned his presence at the Revolution Day event to be organised by the Goa Government in Panaji on June 18, creating a stir and triggering speculation of the ailing Chief Minister’s possible arrival in the state after a gap of more than three months.

The memorandum, which lists out the schedule for the event, states that at 8.50 am on June 18, Parrikar is expected to arrive at the Martyr’s Memorial in Panaji. “Arrival of honourable Chief Minister. He will be received by Chief Secretary and Director General of Police,” the memorandum states, also listing Parrikar’s speech at 9.25 am.

However, a senior BJP official ruled out Parrikar’s return to Goa by June 18. “We are not aware of his return to Goa. As far as we know, there are some tests which are expected to be conducted later this month. But as far as the party is concerned, he will not be in Goa to attend the June 18 function,” the official informed.