Goa CM Parsekar submits resignation to Governor

Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Saturday submitted his resignation to Governor Mridula Sinha. "She has accepted my resignation and asked me to continue as caretaker Chief Minister," Parsekar later told reporters in Panaji. Parsekar was defeated by Dayanand Sopte of the Congress for the Mandrem assembly seat by a margin of 7,119 votes. While Sopte polled 16,490 votes, Parsekar came second with 9,371 votes. Parsekar said that Goans have made a mistake. "We provided all-round development. We also got a lot of support from the central government. I cannot understand this mandate, but I accept it. I think Goans have made a mistake." Goa has voted a fractured mandate, with Congress emerging as the majority party with 17 seats followed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (13 seats) in the 40-member Goa legislative assembly.