PANJIM: Alleging that the State administration is on the verge of collapse, the Congress on Wednesday demanded that the senior-most minister in the government be handed over charge in absence of ailing Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.

Congress also urged the coalition government and BJP to come clear and announce the exact nature and severity of the Chief Minister’s ailment.

Addressing media persons, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Shantaram Naik, expressing his concern towards the Chief Minister’s health, alleged that the State is in crisis in the absence of Parrikar.

“Our wishes are with the Chief Minister and we pray for his speedy recovery. But at the same time, we cannot ignore the fact that the coalition government is not in position to run the State in absence of Parrikar,” Naik said and added, “State is in complete crisis. The administration is on the verge of collapse.”

He demanded that Parrikar should hand over the charge to the senior-most Minister in the cabinet or any other colleague till the time he fully recovers and is in position to run the State. “But, what appears is that Parrikar is scared of his allies,” he added.

Stating that Parrikar’s absence from the State administration has taken a toll on some crucial issues haunting the State, Naik said the government needs to act immediate on the crises that are going to hit the mining industry from March 16 onwards. “Due to the Chief Minister’s health, government is yet to take any decision in the matter. There is no time left. Government needs to act immediately,” he said.