Panaji:
Senior BJP leader Manohar Parrikar is all set to become the chief minister of Goa for the third time after the BJP-MGP combine today staked its claim to form the government with the support of 26 legislators and the swearing -in will be held on Friday.
The new government under Manohar Parrikar, who was elected as the BJP legislature party leader today, will be administered the oath of office at 5.30 PM, most likely at the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) ground in Panaji.
Mr Parrikar, who submitted a letter signed by 26 MLAs to Governor K Sankarnarayanan, told reporters that he had requested the governor to shift the venue of the swearing-in ceremony to the SAG ground from the conventional Raj Bhavan.
The support letter is signed by 26 MLAs -- 21 of BJP, three of alliance partner Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and two Independents Avertano Furtado (Velim) and Benjamin Silva (Navelim).
When asked whether he would take support of the Goa Vikas Party (GVP) which offered an unconditional support to the yet-to-be-formed government, Mr Parrikar said he has not yet seen the formal letter pledging their allegiance.
"I have heard that they (GVP) have supported. I am yet to see their letter," he said.
The regional party led by former minister Francisco Miccky Pacheco today extended its "unconditional" support to the government to be led by Mr Parrikar.
GVP General Secretary Lyndon Monteiro said both the legislators of the party from Nuvem and Benaulim seats are extending their support.
When asked about the number of ministers the new Cabinet will have, Mr Parrikar said, "We will announce the number of ministers later tomorrow."
BJP has emerged as the single largest party in the polls held on March 3 for the 40-member House winning 21 seats, while its alliance partner and the oldest regional outfit MGP won 3 seats.
The ruling Congress had to be content on 9 seats followed by two MLAs from Goa Vikas Party and five Independents.
According to sources, eight ministers would be administered the oath of office on Friday.
Out of them, two ministers would be from MGP, they said, adding the second Cabinet expansion would be held in four weeks after presentation of the budget.
The sources also said that the Parrikar-led government would hold its maiden meeting at 6 PM immediately after the swearing-in ceremony.