Manohar Parrikar resigns as Defence Minister, will take oath as Goa Chief Minister on Tuesday

New Delhi: In a major development on Monday, Manohar Parrikar has resigned from the post of Defence Minister.

Parrikar will take oath as Goa Chief Minister on Tuesday.

"Manohar Parrikar to be sworn in as Goa Chief Minister tomorrow at 5 PM," news agencies confirmed.

"I have tendered my resignation as Defence Minister and have sent it to the PMO. I will be taking the oath (as Goa chief minister) tomorrow evening, along with the cabinet ministers," Parrikar told PTI on Monday.

Asked how many ministers would be sworn in, Parrikar said, "The decision on the number of ministers and other issues are being currently worked out. Once the cabinet is finalised, we will inform the media." 

Goa Governor Mridula Sinha has invited Parrikar to form the next government in the coastal state after he submitted a letter of support from 21 legislators yesterday.

Three MLAs from the Goa Forward Party, three from the MGP and two Independents have pledged their support to Parrikar.

The BJP, which came second by winning 13 seats in the 40-member assembly after the Congress (17 seats), managed to garner support from other parties and Independents to attain majority under Parrikar.