(Image source from: indiatoday)

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Pramod Sawant sworn in as Goa Chief Minister after 24-hour long discussions that who will take over after his predecessor Manohar Parrikar.

Former Defence Minister Parrikar died on Sunday evening after long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Pramod Sawant was the speaker of state assembly, now taken oath as CM hours after Manohar Parrikar’s last rites.

Sudin Dhavalikar of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Vijay Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party sworn in as new deputy Chief Ministers.

Apart from CM and deputy chief ministers and nine other ministers of cabinet were also sworn in a night ceremony

Pramod Sawant said, “Party has given me a huge responsibility, I will try my best to carry it out in the best possible manner. Whatever I am today is all due to Manohar Parrikar. It was he who brought me to politics, I became the Speaker and the CM today, due to him.”

“I have to provide a stability & move ahead together with all allies. It'll be my responsibility to complete the incomplete works. I will not be able to work as much as Manohar Parrikar ji but I will definitely try to work as much as possible,” Swanant said after taking oath.

Wishing newly appointed Goa CM Pramod Sawant, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Best wishes to Dr. Pramod Sawant and his team as they begin their journey towards fulfilling the dreams of the people of Goa. I am sure they will build on the work done in the last few years and boost Goa’s growth trajectory.”

By Sai Kumar