Vishwajit Rane, Mauvin Godinho, sworn in as Ministers

Panaji: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday ruled out banning late-night music parties in Goa, because existing laws he said restrict playing loud music beyond 10 p.m.

Speaking to reporters at the Raj Bhavan near here after the swearing-in of two new Ministers — Mauvin Godinho and Vishwajit Rane — into the BJP-led coalition government, Mr. Parrikar also said that police have clear instructions to crack down on drugs, prostitution and illegal gambling.

“As per law, after 10 p.m. you cannot play loud music. If there is no permission, there is no question of banning it. Law says you can play loud music till 10 p.m., after taking permission. What disturbs people, any activity like this, will not be allowed by law,” Mr. Parrikar said.

A few days back Water Resources Minister Vinod Palienkar of Goa Forward Party had said that police were not cracking down enough on late-night rave parties, which are popular in the coastal belt of north Goa.

“Wherever there is suspicion, police have clear instructions to crack down on drugs, prostitution and illegal gambling,” Mr. Parrikar said.

Portfolios soon

Mr. Rane, who was sworn in today, will have to get elected in six months as he had resigned as Congress MLA immediately after election, and later joined the BJP. Mr. Godinho had resigned as Congress MLA ahead of the February 4 Assembly elections and has been elected on a BJP ticket from Dabolim constituency. They were administered oath of office and secrecy by Goa Governor Mridula Sinha.

None of the Congress MLAs including sitting MLA and former Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane who is father of Vishwajit Rane were present for the swearing in ceremony.

The Parrikar-led coalition government now includes five Ministers from the BJP (including CM), three from Goa Forward, two from the MGP and two Independents.

Mr. Parrikar will allot portfolios to both the newly-inducted Ministers within this week.

The BJP, which won 13 seats in the February 4 Assembly elections, cobbled together a coalition government with its allies last month to form the government. The Congress, which won 17 seats in the 40-member Assembly to emerge as the single largest party, is in the Opposition with 16 MLAs following the exit of Mr. Rane.