Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has said he will step down on Saturday and a new prime minister will be sworn in the same day. He went to Delhi and is the favorite to become defense minister in Cabinet expansion likely Narendra Modi on Sunday.

"He has told us that he is getting the defense portfolio," Michael Wolf, a lawmaker said after meeting Parrikar.

Meanwhile, the revolt brewed in Goa BJP in the race for the post of Deputy CM CM intensifying as Francisco D'Souza throwing his hat into the ring, while Health Minister Laxmikant Parsekar the leading candidate to succeed Manohar Parrikar emerged.

"I am the chief ministerial material. I will not report a minor," D'Souza, Christian face of BJP in Goa, told reporters at the airport upon his arrival from abroad.

He said: "I'm not going to swear if I'm not made the Chief Minister what further action will be taken, I will decide after that.".

Although the names of both Parsekar and D'Souza, also chairman of the state Assembly, Rajendra Arlekar were doing the rounds as a successor to Parrikar who is inclined to change the union cabinet, the affirmation of Deputy Chief Minister for the position can the process a little harder tomorrow when BJP Legislature Party meets to elect a new leader.

Parrikar had tearfully Friday night during his last press Porvorim Cabinet, as he explained why it is difficult for him to leave Goa.

"It's hard for me to leave the state. I lost my wife about 12-13 years ago is difficult family wise. But first nation," said 58-year-old IITian, who has been head of Goa three sometimes minister. He is the favorite to be the next defense minister of India.

"I did the best I could do to Goa," said the Chief Minister emotional.

While the big move will make him one of the most powerful government ministers Modi, one thing that even the corridors of power will not be able to meet. "Rice with fish curry," says the graduate of IIT-Bombay. "That's what I'll miss most about Goa!"

The CM said that Goa has a number of text messages and most of them are in the wild card. "About 20% of them say that I will miss. But I think it goes both ways. I'm going to go with a heavy heart," he smiles almost immediately lost in nostalgia.

"I give you a guarantee that if I put the MoD, I will be clean, transparent and open." On November 9, Parrikar could complete 20 years in politics.
It will be new defense minister: BJP MLA
New Goa Chief Minister to take oath today
Dy CM threatens to quit if not done CM
I will be clean and transparent: Parrikar