Will remain in state politics, says Parrikar

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday asserted he will remain in state politics saying he is not eyeing the national political stage either "through Lok Sabha polls or any other way".

There were rumours that Parrikar, who is part of Bharatiya Janata Party’s core committee, will be considered for an important position in the Centre after the Lok Sabha polls.

"Let me tell you this...please underline it...I am not going to Centre, neither through Lok Sabha polls nor any other way," he told reporters in Panaji.

He, however, said that he is ready to assist the Union government whenever it requires his help.

"I am making this clear, so there are no more rumours. After listening to these rumors, many people approached me asking not to leave the state politics, while there were some who suggested that I should go to Centre politics," he commented.

He said that he will campaign for the party pan-India, though he has ruled out his role in the Centre, after the elections.

"I will remain in Goa. The decision will be taken when it is required, why today? I am chief minister (of Goa) and happy to remain so," Parrikar had told PTI earlier this week.