said he would submit his resignation as Speaker at 9.30 am on Thursday so as to take up his new role. He said he learnt of the new role he would be playing on Tuesday evening and has had no talks with the chief minister on the portfolio to be allotted to him.
“I never asked or demanded any ministry from the Chief Minister. I was told to submit my resignation which I will do. With regards to the portfolio, it is up to the CM to give me a portfolio of his choice but I am confident that I will perform any role with dedication by giving priority to development and working for the people,” Arlekar told Herald.
“It is true that the role of a minister would have more work as there is more administrative work for a minister than a Speaker. However, I am confident that having successfully performed the role of Speaker I will continue the same dedication as minister,” Arlekar said.
Arlekar’s induction as minister will lend more importance to Mormugao taluka. As a former Vasco MLA and resident of Vasco, Arlekar still has close ties with the residents of Mormugao taluka who expect this to bring them some development.
Mormugao taluka already has two ministers – Milind Naik and Alina Saldanha – and Arlekar being a resident of Vasco the hopes of the people of the taluka are high.
