Despite stiff opposition from Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza and some of his followers, the BJP gave its nod to Laxmikant Parsekar, who was sworn-in as the new Chief Minister of Goa.
Former CM Manohar Parrikar had resigned today, as he would take charge as a Cabinet Minister. He is slated to become the new Defence Minister of India.
The 58-year-old Laxmikant had rebelled against his family (supporter of Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party) to contest on a BJP ticket in 1988. At that time, BJP did not have any strong presence in Goa. He has strong connection with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Parsekar became the 22nd Chief Minister of Goa and 12th person to hold this coveted post. After losing the assembly polls in 1988 and 1999 against Ramakant Khalap, he made history in 2002 by emerging as a giant killer. He defeated Khalap by 750 votes. There was no looking back after that and he won in 2007 and 2012 too. He also headed Goa unit of the BJP. Laxmikant Parsekar was the Health Minister in previous government run by Manohar Parrikar.
