Holi revellers celebrate BJP's victory in Goa

Panaji, Mar 8: Chief Minister-designate Manohar Parrikar was the cynosure of all eyes as revellers celebrated Holi here, a day before the BJP-led alliance takes over the reins of Goa. The power shift was clearly visible on the streets of Panaji on Thursday as flags of BJP led all rallies during Holi celebrations.

Parrikar, who will be sworn in as Chief Minister tomorrow, was the star attraction for the celebration as he walked into Azad Maidan, without any security, where thousands of people were celebrating Holi.

The local MLA visited the Mahalaxmi Temple in the morning before meeting his constituents. "His celebration began right outside the temple when a group of 10 youngsters sprinkled colour on him," a BJP activist, who has been accompanying Parrikar, said. The MLA was at the Maidan for almost half an hour.

"We knew Parrikar would come here. We had come to wish him for his future and also wanted to apply colour," Ankita Shirvaikar, a housewife who had come with her family, told PTI.

Parrikar has become an iconic figure after the March 3 poll results. The crowds were seen following him as he left the Maidan and proceeded to BJP headquarters.

The to-be chief minister will be deciding on faces for the new cabinet today. Sources said eight people including two from ally Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) would be sworn in tomorrow at Sports Authority of Goa ground. As Parrikar got busy in meetings, the rallies continued in the city. The BJP has won on 21 out of 40 seats sweeping the polls.

PTI