PM Modi congratulates Parrikar as he takes charge of Goa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Manohar Parrikar after he was sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Goa.

"Congratulations to @manoharparrikar and his team on being sworn in. My best wishes in taking Goa to new heights of progress," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

Parrikar, who yesterday resigned as the Union Defence Minister, was sworn-in as the Chief Minister at the Raj Bhavan in Panaji earlier in the day.

Goa Governor Mridula Sinha administered the oath of office to the BJP leader.

MGP's Manohar Ajgaonkar, Independent MLA Rohan Khaunte and seven others also took oath as ministers.

BJP chief Amit Shah and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari attended Parrikar's swearing-in ceremony. Former Goa chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar was also present.

Parrikar had on March 12 submitted evidence before the Governor showing the support of 13 MLAs of the BJP, three MLAs of the MGP, three of the Goa Forward Party and two Independent MLAs, thus having a total strength of 21 MLAs in the 40-member assembly.

The Goa Governor had then invited him to form the government in the state.

Crying foul, the Congress yesterday filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the Governor's decision to appoint Parrikar as the chief minister.

The apex court earlier in the day refused to stay the swearing-in of Parrikar and ordered a floor test on March 16.

In the 40-member House, the Congress has 17 MLAs, followed by the BJP with 13, the MGP (3), the GFP (3), the NCP (1) and Independents (3).

-ANI