NEW DELHI: In a first, ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is admitted to  at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, has asked his cabinet ministers to the national capital for a review meeting. 

This is the first official meeting called by Parrikar since he was admitted to AIIMS on September 15.

Sources said Parrikar is expected to discuss some crucial matters, such as state's governance with ministers and alliance partners, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Goa Forward Party (GFP). It is also possible that he might discuss new portfolios to be assigned to the allies.

Sources added MGP leader and PWD minister Sudin Dhavalikar, GFP leader and town planning minister Vijai Sardesai, revenue minister Rohan Khaunte and minister of art and culture Govind Gawade have been invited to the meeting. Independent lawmaker Prasad Gaonkar, who is supporting the BJP-led Goa alliance is also expected to attend the meeting.

Gawade told PTI: "I have been invited for the meeting with the chief minister in Delhi on October 12. I don't know who else is invited." 

The Opposition parties in Goa has raised questions over the stability of the Parrikar’s government because of  his prolonged illness. All 16 Congress legislators in Goa assembly met Governor Mridula Sinha on September 19 and demanded a floor test by the BJP-led government, after the 62-year-old Chief Minister was admitted to AIIMS. 

BJP president Amit Shah met party leaders in Goa to work out a plan and prevent any political crisis after the opposition Congress staked claim to power. The BJP chief has reportedly said that Parrikar will remain the chief minister but a cabinet reshuffle is likely soon.


The BJP, which has 14 lawmakers in the 40-member Assembly, is governing the state with the help of the MGP, the GFP, the NCP and three Independents. The Congress has 16 lawmakers in the Goa assembly.

(With agency inputs)