Laxmikant Parsekar Sworn-In as Goa's Chief Minister

Panaji: Goa Health Minister Laxmikant Parsekar has been sworn in as the state's Chief Minister.

Mr Parsekar was earlier chosen unanimously as the chief ministerial candidate, BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy announced today after a legislature party meeting.

The BJP's central leaders BS Yeddyurappa and Mr Rudy acted as observers at the meeting to elect the new Chief Minister. (Who is Laxmikant Parsekar?)

Manohar Parrikar, who is expected to become the next Defence Minister of the country, earlier resigned as Goa Chief Minister. Mr Parrikar faxed his resignation letter to Governor Mridula Sinha at Raj Bhavan this afternoon, after meeting the Archbishop.

Admitting that he wasn't surprised about the decision, Mr Parsekar told NDTV, "I knew I would be elected as Chief Minister".

"I have been BJP worker for 25 years, I'm a worthy candidate," he said.

"Being a member of the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) was one of the criteria to be elected as the Chief Minister," said the newly-appointed Chief Minister and legislator from Mandrem constituency.

With Mr Parrikar's resignation, the entire state cabinet comprising 12 ministers, two of whom were from Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, was dissolved.

Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza, who had earlier said that he expected to be named the Chief Minister today, will continue in his post.