Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is currently undergoing medical treatment in the U.S., is expected to return to Goa on June 15, senior BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral said on Tuesday.
“Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is returning to Goa on June 15,” Mr. Cabral told the media on the sidelines of a State Tourism Ministry press conference in Panaji.
Upendra Joshi, an official on special duty at the Chief Minister’s office also confirmed to The Hindu the news of Mr. Parrikar’s return after more than three months.
However, a senior party official said he was still unsure. “As a party we do not know the exact date of arrival. He is likely to come to Goa in June, but the tickets as far as we know haven’t been booked yet,” the official said, requesting anonymity.
An office memo, issued by the Home Ministry mentioning Mr. Parrikar’s presence at the State-organised Revolution Day event on June 18, went viral on social media. The memo states that he is expected to arrive at 8:50 a.m. for the event at the Martyr’s Memorial in Panaji.
“Arrival of honourable Chief Minister. He will be received by Chief Secretary and Director General of Police,” the memorandum states, further listing the Chief Minister’s speech at 9:25 a.m.
A BJP functionary, when contacted on Monday in this regard, had ruled out Mr. Parrikar’s return by June 18.
“We are not aware of his return to Goa. As far as we know, there are some tests which are expected to be conducted later this month, after which his return dates will be confirmed. But as far as the party is concerned, as of now, he will not be in Goa to attend the June 18 function,” the official said requesting anonymity.