Pall of gloom descends in Goa

A pall of gloom descended in Goa on Monday as it prepares to bid adieu to Manohar Parrikar. Huge posters and banners of Parrikar in the roads of Panjim, the capital of the tiny tourism state.

Parrikar, 63, passed away on Sunday, after a prolonged illness.

Parrikar was a four-time chief minister of Goa and has served as defence minister in the Narendra Modi government.

His body would be taken from the CM's residence to the BJP office. Thereafter, it would be taken to Kala Academy where the public can pay last respects.

The last rites will be performed at Miramar crematorium.

Meanwhile, political uncertainty looms large in the state along the Arabian Sea.

The Congress has written to governor Mridula Sinha staking claim to form the government.

Meanwhile, the BJO, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, Goa Forward Party and Independents are trying to arrive at a consensus on the name of the new chief minister.

BJP's troubleshooter and shipping minister Nitin Gadkari had already reached Goa.

Top BJP leaders and those from other parties are reaching Panjim.