Panaji (Goa)

Even while ruling out any leadership change in absence of chief minister Manohar Parrikar, the BJP has said that in case it happens, it will remain with the party and not allies.

The issue of chief minister Manohar Parrikar absence from the State due to health reasons was discussed during BJP meeting in Goa which was chaired by party’s national general secretary (organization) B L Santhosh.

“It was informed by the national leader (Santhosh) that question of giving leadership to any other party does not arise. The leadership of the government will remain with the BJP,” Deputy Speaker and BJP legislator Michael Lobo told reporters emerging from the meeting this afternoon.

He said that the meeting strongly felt absence of Parrikar, who is currently in the USA for medical treatment.

Union AYUSH minister and North Goa Member of Parliament Shripad Naik ruled out the possibility of leadership change in the State. “There is no such possibility. Parrikar is recovering and he will soon be back to take over the reigns of the State,” he said.

Santhosh after attending the meeting refused to talk to mediapersons.

Speaker of legislative assembly pramod Sawant who is also a BJP legislator offered “no comments” to a question on leadership issue.

BJP is currently ruling the state in coalition with MGP, Goa Forward Party and three independents. All those who have rendered support to the State government had made it clear that they are with the government till Parrikar is the chief minister.