New Goa govt to take floor test on Wednesday

The new government in Goa headed by Dr Pramod Sawant will go for a floor test on Wednesday.

In the 40-member Goa Legislative Assembly — the current strength of which is 36 — the magic figure is 19.

“We are going for a floor test on Wednesday. Our strength is 21. We are confident of clearing it,” Sawant told reporters on Tuesday.

He said he would carry forward the legacy of his political guru and illustrious predecessor Manohar Parrikar. “Whatever I am today is because of Manohar bhai... he was my idol... I became an MLA because of him, I became a Speaker because of him,” Sawant said after he was sworn in as chief minister by Governor Mridula Sinha at a post-midnight ceremony at the Raj Bhawan.

The governor administered the oath of office and secrecy to the 12-member ministry headed by Sawant at 2 am on Tuesday.

To ensure a smooth transition, Vijai Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party and Sudin Dhavalikar of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party — the two crucial allies — were elevated to the rank of deputy chief ministers.

Congratulating Sawant, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “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.”

In the morning, Sawant visited the Dona Paula house of Parrikar and met the family of his mentor. He then visited the Mahalaxmi temple before heading to the state Secretariat in Porvorim near Panaji around 1 pm. Later, he visited the state BJP office.

Sawant said that his government’s priority would be to complete the projects launched by Parrikar, especially those related to social welfare.

“Portfolios will be distributed to ministers very soon,” he said.

In the 12-member Cabinet including the chief minister, the BJP has five ministers, the GFP has three and the MGP has two representatives. Two independents have also been given ministerial berths.

Meanwhile, the government is planning to build a grand memorial for Parrikar, a four-time chief minister and former defence minister, at the Miramar beach where he was cremated.