Panaji:
Technocrat-turned-politician Manohar Parrikar is all set to become the chief minister of Goa for the third time after the BJP-MGP combine lapped up 24 seats to rule the 40-member House.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislative wing today unanimously elected Parrikar as its leader; the decision was also backed by its alliance partner Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP).
The combine which won 24 seats -BJP (21) and MGP (3) -will now stake claim to form the government before Goa Governor K Sankarnarayanan.
The ruling Congress was relegated to 9 while its alliance partner NCP drew a blank in the March 3 Assembly polls, counting for which was held yesterday.
The BJP-MGP alliance has claimed to have support of 26 legislators, including two independents -Benjamin Silva (Velim) and Avertano Furtado (Navelim).
Senior BJP leaders Venkaiah Naidu and Ravi Shankar Prasad are overseeing the process of government formation.
BJP legislature wing which met at a city hotel here first time since the results were out passed a joint resolution electing Mr Parrikar as their leader.
"The decision was unanimous. Mr Parrikar's name was suggested and everyone accepted it," a senior BJP leader said.
Mr Parrikar got the first taste of power in the state in 2000 when he was elected the Chief Minister, becoming the first IITian to head a state government. However, the stint was shortlived in the state known for its fragile politics and he had to demit office in early 2002.
Mr Parrikar returned to power a few months later but had to quit in 2005 after a few MLAs withdrew support to him.
The state was put under President's Rule after his exit in March 2005.