Team Herald

PANJIM: As Goa continues to function without a head for the last two months, Minister and MGP leader Ramakrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar said he is mentally prepared to take over the responsibility of leading the coalition government in the State.

“If people are happy with my work then I am mentally prepared to take over the responsibility as Chief Minister,” Dhavalikar, a member of the Cabinet Advisory Committee (CAC), said responding to a question. “But let us not talk on that issue at this stage,” he added, refusing to speak further on the issue.

In absence of Parrikar, Dhavalikar was nominated as leader of the House during the Budget session held in February. “If Chief Minister can’t make it for the monsoon session, we can again have a leader of the House,” PWD Minister said.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has been in USA since March 7 for medical treatment. In his absence, a three Minister CAC has been guiding the State administration. As per latest reports, Parrikar is expected back in Goa by June end.

The MGP leader, however, denied the news of his party’s merger with BJP. “There is nothing as such for now,” he stated.

There has been speculation about a possible MGP merger with BJP with Sudin as Chief Minister. However, MGP president Deepak Dhavalikar tried to put to rest such speculation stating MGP will never merge with another party, and will go alone for the next State Assembly elections.

Speaking on the Lok Sabha elections, Dhavalikar said the decision on extending support to BJP or going independent for the parliamentary polls will be taken by the Central committee.

“At present we have extended our support to NDA. But the decision on whether to continue the support for the Lok Sabha elections will be taken by the central committee,” he said.

MGP had earlier said it would contest the Lok Sabha elections from the North and South Goa seats.