Team Herald
PANJIM: The two former MGP MLAs who merged into the BJP have been rewarded by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant.
Tourism Minister Manohar (Babu) Ajgaonkar has been elevated to the post of Deputy Chief Minister, while Deepak Pauskar has been given the PWD portfolio.
Ajgaonkar becomes the second deputy chief minister after Goa Forward Party’s Vijai Sardesai in the Pramod Sawant cabinet.
Last week, Sardesai and Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar had been named Dy Chief Ministers. However, Dhavalikar was dropped from the Cabinet on Wednesday and new BJP MLA Dipak Pawaskar inducted in a late night ceremony.
Joint Secretary (General Administration) Varsha Naik issued the order stating, “Government is pleased to designate Vijai Sardesai, minister and Manohar Ajgaonkar, minister as the Deputy Chief Minister with immediate effect.”
“The Chief Minister has given me the responsibility and I assure to do my best and give justice to the post,” Azgaonkar said reacting to the elevation. He currently holds the portfolios of Tourism, Sports and Printing and Stationery. Sources said he would get the Transport portfolio when the CM distributes more portfolios in a fortnight.
Meanwhile, as expected, Pauskar has been given portfolios of PWD and Museums. “My priority is getting 24×7 water under JICA project, besides better internal State roads and sewerage network,” he said.
In a midnight development on Tuesday, the two MGP leaders split the legislature party and merged into the BJP attracting criticism. The defection has also given rise for internal dissent within the ruling BJP with former Sanvordem MLA Ganesh Gaonkar and former Pernem MLA Rajendra Arlekar making their sentiments public.
