India's defence minister resigned Monday to lead the coastal state of Goa after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party secured enough support from minor parties to retain power in the popular tourist region. Manohar Parrikar will be sworn in as Goa's chief minister on Tuesday - the fourth time he has held the position in his home state - more than two years after vacating the job to join Modi's team in New Delhi.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will take over his defence responsibilities until a replacement is appointed, a statement from Indian President Pranab Mukherjee's office said. Saturday's election results showed the Bharatiya Janata Party won just 13 seats in Goa, putting it in second place behind the opposition Congress Party on 17, and leaving it eight short of the majority needed to control the 40-strong lower house.
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