BJP Wants me to Take up a Role at the Centre: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar

Goa Chief Minister (CM) Manohar Parrikar on Thursday spoke up on the possibility of being India's next Defence Minister; claims BJP President Amit Shah had asked him to take up an appointment at the Centre, according to a PTI report.

Parrikar said that even though he did not feel at ease about moving to New Delhi, he will take up the task "if the nation requires his services."

"Party President Amit Shah spoke to me in the morning and asked me to accept any assignment that would be given by the Prime Minister," Parrikar added.

However, the Goa CM kept mum when asked about being offered the defence portfolio by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"I want to give proper information as far as joining the cabinet is concerned. It is the prerogative of the Prime Minister. However, I would like to inform that the party has indicated to me that if such assignment comes, you should accept it," he said.

Parrikar said if any offer had to come, it would have to be before November 9, when the Union Cabinet would be expanded.

"The party would not have asked me (to accept the offer) if they (top BJP leaders) had not interacted with the Prime Minister," he added.

Parrikar chose not to divulge any details regarding the next Chief Minister of Goa.

"There are many issues in deciding the successor... his capacity to deliver and to take everyone along. That is the party's internal assessment," he said.