Manohar Parrikar, 56, returned to the helm in Goa after seven years when he was sworn in as chief minister for the third time Friday.
Parrikar has been a constant fixture for the BJP in Goa for the last two decades. His win from Panaji is the fifth consecutive since 1994.
My immediate priority is the state budget and we have promised to abolish VAT on petrol prices. We will tackle all issues, consult experts in taking decisions regarding environment, Parrikar said.
With people voting emphatically against the Congress, Parrikar, the former chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, which unearthed illegal mining, has his task cut out. Asked what action he would take against those who face severe charges, Parrikar said: We will act against the corrupt. However, to rule out allegations of vendetta, we will give major complaints to the Lokayukta. We will set up a Lokayukta in 100 days.
He is no stranger to corruption charges himself. In 2006, he was accused of siphoning off the funds from the International Film Festival of India in 2004. The CBI could not find any evidence and closed the case last year.
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