With Parrikar's passing away, search for new Goa CM set to begin

With the demise of chief minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday, the BJP-led coalition in Goa has to search for a new leader to replace him.

Parrikar (63) died of a pancreatic ailment on Sunday at his private residence near here, government officials said.

He was heading a coalition government comprising the BJP, Goa Forward Party, MGP and Independents.

The death of the former defence minister, who represented the Panaji assembly seat, will also necessitate a fourth bypoll in Goa, where by-elections are scheduled for the Shiroda, Mandrem and Mapusa assembly constituencies on April 23. These will held in the state along with the Lok Sabha polls.

"With CM Parrikar's demise, the ruling coalition will have to make a fresh representation to the governor after choosing their leader. The representation will have the letter of support," a senior official from State Legislature Department told PTI.

"If the governor (Mridula Sinha) is not convinced, then she will have to invite the single largest .