Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday left for Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai for further treatment, and could be shifted to a health facility abroad if the doctors recommend it, a statement issued by his personal secretary Rupesh Kamat said.
The ailing Chief Minister left a committee comprising Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardesai, Urban Development Minister Francis D’Souza and Public Works Department Minister Sudin Dhavalikar in charge of the administrative affairs. Before leaving, Mr. Parrikar met top ruling politicians, ministers, bureaucrats and police officers.
“He told some ministers that Cabinet meetings would be conducted via videoconference,” Arts and Culture Minister Govind Gawde told reporters.“The three-member team will have the power to sanction works up to ₹5 crore, while each individual minister has been empowered to sanction work up to ₹50 lakh,” said Mr. Gawde.
In a video released by the BJP on social media, Mr. Parrikar said, “The manner in which you have blessed me till now, I hope your blessings will continue and hope that you will allow me to take a few days’ holiday.”
Meanwhile, the Congress found fault with the arrangement made by Mr. Parrikar. Addressing a press conference on Monday evening, Goa Pradesh Congress president Shantaram Naik said, ”We are going to have a State ruled by three chief ministers. Imagine the chaos. This is a clear violation of business rules. We wish him well in his medical treatment, but he has deserted Goa.”
