PANJIM: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said that governing the State after the demise of Manohar Parrikar, last year, was a challenge which his government has handled successfully.

Dr Sawant would be completing one year in the chair on March 19, as he took over the affairs of the State after death of Parrikar on March 17.

“I took over the reign of the State under difficult circumstances. But I have governed the State on lines with the visionary ideas of late Manohar Parrikar,” he told reporters while campaigning for Zilla Panchayat in Corlim Constituency.

“We have to fulfil his dream of Golden and Clean Goa. I will try to complete all the projects started during his tenure,” the chief minister said.

“Getting BJP elected in upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections will be true tribute to Parrikar,” he said.

“For me, the post of the chief minister was something new. It was challenge for me to learn to administer the State,” Dr Sawant said.

“I kept on learning. When things are new you have to learn. During my one year tenure, I have learnt many things. I won’t say it was difficult but I will certainly say that it was challenging. I have taken up the challenge,” he added.

“People are the best judge to ascertain whether I have done well for the State. By looking at the crowd that are supporting our candidate, indicates positive vibes of government. That would be translated into votes on March 22,” he said.