New Delhi: The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of Shri Manohar Parrikar, from the Council of Ministers, with immediate effect, under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution.

Further, as advised by the Prime Minister, the President has directed that Shri Arun Jaitely, Cabinet Minister, shall be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Defence, in addition to his existing portfolios.

Shri Parrikar will take oath as Goa Chief Minister tomorrow. Shri Jaitley will take the charge of Defense ministry office tomorrow.

This is the mid-2014 situation restored.

When Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, he assigned Defense ministry to Arun Jaitley. At that time, Jaitley had clarified that he was in Defense ministry for temporary period.

Modi searched suitable person for Defense ministry till November and then picked up then Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar for the job of Defense minister. Modi selected Parrikar due to his IIT qualification and his honesty.

Parrikar was so popular Chief Minister in Goa that BJP could perhaps win Goa with clear majority if Parrikar was chosen as Chief Ministerial face for Goa.

BJP however went ahead without chief ministerial face.

After hung verdict, local MLAs passed resolution for Parrikar’s return. Similarly small parties also made condition that they would extend support to BJP only if the govt is going to be led by Parrikar. When asked, Parrikar himself told his party leaders that he wanted return back to Goa.

Modi will need to find another honest, upright, able and cordial person for Defense minister post. Last time it took months for to do this job. It has to be seen, whom does he find suitable this time. Defense ministry involves thousands of crores of Rupees of purchases, and that is the reason why Modi prefers to have an honest person there.

Update:

Congress has written to Goa Governor to invite it to form government on being the single largest party. Congress has challenged in Supreme Court, Goa Governor’s decision to appoint Manohar Parrikar as the Chief Minister. Supreme Court has agreed to give urgent hearing on Monday morning on the plea seeking stay on swearing-in of Parrikar, said advocate for Goa CLP leader.

DeshGujarat