New Goa CM Laxmikant Parsekar acknowledges close ties with RSS worked in his favour

The newly-elected Goa Chief Minister on Saturday said that he was confident that he would be chosen for the top post as he has been a worker of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the last 25 years. "I knew I would be chosen and I would be chosen unanimously. I was confident. I have been a worker of the party for the last 25 years," Parsekar told the media here.

Parsekar acknowledged that his connections with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have also been instrumental in him being selected for the CM's post. When asked if his RSS links put him ahead in the CM race, Parsekar said, "That is one of the reasons, of course." The Chief Minister further said that he would carry on the same development agenda for the state's growth as set by the previous government led by Manohar Parrikar.

Earlier on Saturday, Parsekar, along with other BJP leaders met Goa Governor Mridula Sinha at the Raj Bhavan to stake claim of forming the state government. Later, Parsekar took oath as the new Chief Minister after all the MLAs unanimously decided to select him for the top post.