PANAJI: Without resting even for a day after his return from the US, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar resumed his work at the ministerial block on Friday. Parrikar began his day by paying obeisance to his family deity Devki Krishna Ravalnath at Marcel and later at the Mahalaxmi temple in Panaji.“I will speak to reporters on Monday,” he said soon after his visit to the Panaji temple. He told TOI that once the jet lag is settled, he will address reporters.He then proceeded to the state legislative assembly complex, Porvorim and took charge of his office. A video was released by the chief minister’s office wherein Parrikar was seen thanking the people of Goa. He said, “As I resume my work, I thank all my well-wishers for the prayers and blessings which gave me much-needed support and strength to recover.”In the first half of the day, chief minister worked for almost two-and-half hours and in the second half, he devoted three hours to clear crucial files. Later, Parrikar paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Goa, Mridula Sinha.Parrikar had his first meeting with the chief secretary Dharmendra Sharma, principal secretary P Krishnamurthy and director general of police (DGP) Muktesh Chander and reviewed the progress on all fronts.Chief secretary and principal secretary briefed him about the working of the administration. He gave them important instructions in matter pertaining to the financial health and the law and order situation. He also reviewed the progress of the works undertaken by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation including the third Mandovi bridge.He also had a meeting with the CMO staff and directed them to prepare his schedule from the next week onwards. A senior officer at the CMO said that Parrikar is likely to hold the Cabinet meeting on Monday.Among those who called on the Chief Minister and enquired about his health include town and country planning minister Vijay Sardesai, art and culture minister Govind Gaude, tourism minister Manohar Azgaonkar, panchayat minister Mauvin Gudinho, fisheries minister Vinod Palyekar, Aldona MLA Glen Ticlo and Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao.Speaker Pramod Sawant said that Goans are happy as Parrikar has returned. “CM’s return to Goa has put an end to all speculations being raised by some quarters of the society including the Opposition,” he said, adding, “it wouldn’t be wrong to say that CM has recovered completely. People need to have patience as everyone wishes to meet him personally.”Economic Development Corporation (EDC) chairman Sidharth Kuncalienker said that Parrikar held a review meeting with DGP on the law and order situation besides other issues. Kuncalienker said that Parrikar always gives clear-cut instructions, and this time also, he gave instructions that there should not be any let up on the law and order situation.Govind Gaude said that Parrikar is likely to convene the first cabinet meeting after his return from US on Monday at 5 pm. “We have asked CM to take rest for a day or two before resuming work,” he said, adding, “with Parrikar’s return, we will start working with full energy.”In the evening, leader of opposition Chandrakant ‘Babu’ Kavlekar met the Chief Minister. Kavlekar said that he was happy to see the chief minister back at work.

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