Track live updates of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first Cabinet reshuffle that is taking place at Rashtrapati Bhavan today.

7.50 pm: Sena open to talks with Congress over Leader of Opposition post, says Anil Desai

Right Shiv Sena after staked claim for the post of Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, party leader Anil Desai said that they were open to holding talks with the Congress over the post.

"The Congress did stake claim for the Leader of Opposition, but we are the largest party after the BJP. They say that they will have talks with us over it," Desai told CNN-IBN

However he said there had been no formal proposal on the issue.

5:50 pm: Shiv Sena stakes claim to the seat of Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra assembly

The Shiv Sena staked claim to the seat of the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra assembly, choosing to close the door on an alliance with the BJP, CNN-IBN reported.

Reports also confirmed that Eknath Shinde would be the Leader of Opposition after he was voted in as the Sena's legislature party leader in Maharashtra Assembly.

--Updates for 10 November begin here--

7.37 pm: Will sit in oppn if BJP takes NCP support, says Uddhav Thackeray

Making clear that it would fight for Hindutva, Shiv Sena chief on Sunday said that the Shiv Sena would sit in the opposition if the BJP takes NCP support.

He also announced that Eknath Shinde was elected as the Shiv Sena's legislature party leader in Maharashtra Assembly.

He said, "We will follow the Hindutva agenda even if the BJP goes with the NCP," and added, "I am not a slave to power. If the BJP and NCP join hands won't hesitate to vote against them."

He also said that the Sena would sit in opposion in Maharashtra if BJP takes NCP support.

Uddhav said that the Sena won't be a part of any government that would not give the Sena its dues.

Meanwhile when asked if Anant Geete would resign from the Union Cabinet, he said, "We will take the right decision at the right time."

When asked about when the decision on allying with the BJP will come, he said, "In a couple of days if we don't get answers from the BJP will will sit in opposition."

6.56 pm: Anti-BJP sloganeering outside Sena Bhawan as Uddhav holds meeting with MLAs

The meeting of Shiv Sena leaders is under way in Mumbai, and there has been some anti-BJP sloganeering outside Shiv Sena Bhawan.

A press conference is likely once the meeting is over. Uddhav will address media persons, reports CNN-IBN.

5. 50 pm: Uddhav Thackeray meets MLAs, to take decision on tie up with BJP

Uddhav Thackeray has reached Sena Bhawan in Mumbai and is likely to take a decision on the tie-up with the BJP. Sources say that the saffron outfit may choose to sit in the opposition after its tussle with the BJP.

Sena on Sunday boycotted the swearing-in for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Union Cabinet expansion, as they did not get ministerial berths at the Centre. Though Suresh Prabhu was chosen by PM Modi from Shiv Sena to join his Cabinet, Prabhu has now quit the Sena and joined the BJP. So technically, Sena which is BJP's ally at the Centre would not have even one representative in the cabinet.

This may and probably will reflect on Sena's decision over support to the BJP at the state level in Maharashtra where the BJP has squarely refused to agree to most of their demands.

5.13 pm: Modi's expanded cabinet to have first meeting on Monday

The first meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new expanded cabinet is likely to take place on Monday evening.

While those inducted into the cabinet have not yet been assigned their respective roles, that may be what will be decided in the meeting

4.13 pm: After induction into cabinet, Suresh Prabhu leaves Shiv Sena, joins BJP

Suresh Prabhu, after being inducted into the Union Cabinet, has resigned from the Shiv Sena and joined the BJP.

According to NDTV reports he may get the Railway Ministry.

While Prabhu was part of the Shiv Sena, he was said to have distanced himself from the party in the last few months.

Times of India had quoted a BJP leader as saying earlier that, "In recent past, Prabhu has succeeded in gaining Modi's confidence. As a result, the PM is keen on utilizing the knowledge and expertise of Prabhu in all sectors."

4.00 pm: Parrikar to file nomination for Rajya Sabha from UP on Monday

After being sworn-in to the Union Cabinet's Council of Minister, PTI reports that Manohar Parrikar will file his nomination for Rajya Sabha elections from Uttar Pradesh on Monday.

Though sources have suggested that he is all set to take charge as the Minister of Defence, Parrikar kept mum about it. Right after taking oath he told the media, "I don't know my ministry yet, but whatever responsibility is, it is for whole nation."

3.15 pm: Congress gives swearing-in a miss

Congress kept away from the oath-taking ceremony of 21 new ministers in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers, reported the PTI.

"Both Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh were invited to the ceremony," Power Minister Piyush Goyal said after the swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi.

Asked if there was any communication from the Congress on whether they will attend the ceremony or not, Goyal did not give any details.

However, it was not clear whether any other Congress leader, apart from Gandhi and Singh, were invited for the ceremony.

2.15 pm: Swearing-in ceremony ends, 21 new ministers in Modi government

Four Cabinet ministers, 3 MoS (Independent) and 14 MoS were sworn-in this afternoon by President Pranab Mukherjee. The first to take oath was former Goa CM Manohar Parrikar, followed by Sena's Suresh Prabhu. Senior BJP leader JP Nadda also took oath as a Cabinet minister. The total strength of the Union Council of Ministers now stands at 66.

For the full list of those who were sworn-in today, click here.

2.08 pm: TDP's YS Chowdhary, Jayant Sinha sworn-in as MoS

YS Chowdhary, an industrialist and Rajya Sabha MP from TDP. He was the first among those sworn-in today to take his oath in English.

Jayant Sinha, son of senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, also took oath as MoS. He represents Hazaribagh constituency of Jharkhand. Given his academic career- an IIT passout and a graduate from Harvard Business School could be given MoS Finance.

Olympian medalist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore was also sworn-in as MoS. A first-time MP, he represents Jaipur Rural. He earlier served in the Indian Army.

Singer-turned-politician Babul Supriyo, who represents Asansol constituency of West Bengal was also given MoS status.

Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, first-time MP from Fatehpur, UP was also sworn-in as MoS. In June this year, she was attacked by four men when returning from a function at Avas Vikas colony.

BJP's prominent Dalit face in Punjab, Vijay Sampla was sworn-in as MoS. He represents Hoshiarpur constituency and is closely linked with the RSS. Interestingly, after his schooling, Sampla worked as a plumber in Saudi Arabia before returning to India.

2.00 pm: Controversial BJP MP Giriraj Singh sworn-in as MoS

Giriraj Singh, BJP MP from Bihar who has close ties with the RSS was also sworn in as MoS. He belongs to the powerful Bhumihar caste and had created controversy during the Lok Sabha polls when he said those opposing Modi should leave the country and go to Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Hansraj Ahir, who was among the first to expose the coal scam, was also sworn-in as MoS. Ram Shankar Katheria, who represents the Agra constituency of Uttar Pradesh was also sworn-in as MoS. He is a two-time MP from the constituency.

1. 53 pm: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Ram Kripal Yadav sworn-in as MoS

BJP's vice president and its prominent Muslim face Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi was sworn-in as Minister of State. He has been a part of the Vajpayee government as Minister of Information and Broadcasting. As a political activist, he was was jailed for activism during the Emergency of 1975–77.

BJP's Ram Kripal Yadav who switched sides from the RJD before the Lok Sabha polls was also sworn-in as a MoS today. He is a four-time MP and defeated Lalu Prasad's daughter from Pataliputra.

HP Chaudhary, who is an MP from Gujarat, and Sanwarlal Jat, who is a Jat leader who represents the party from Ajmer, Rajasthan, was also sworn in as MoS.

Mohan Kundariya, who was a part of the Modi cabinet in Gujarat. He is a first time MP from Rajkot, Gujarat.

1.50 pm: Rajiv Pratap Rudy sworn-in as Mos (Independent)

Representing Bihar's Saran Lok Sabha constituency, BJP's Rajiv Pratap Rudy was sworn-in as MoS (Independent) charge. He has been General Secretary of the BJP and is also a commerical pilot. He was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1996 and has defeated RJD's Rabri Devi from the Saran seat.

Dr Mahesh Sharma, BJP's Lok Sabha MP from Gautam Budh, Uttar Pradesh is a first time MP. He has been an MLA in Uttar Pradesh and is an established doctor in the Noida region.

1.47 pm: Telangana BJP leader Dattatreya sworn-in as MoS (Independent)

Bandaru Dattatreya, BJP's Telangana head was sworn-in as MoS Independent Charge at the swearing-in ceremony. He represents the Secunderabad constituency and is vice president of the BJP.

1.4o pm: Parrikar, Suresh Prabhu first to be sworn-in as Cabinet ministers

Former Goa CM Manohar Parrikar and Shiv Sena leader Suresh Prabhu were sworn in as Cabinet ministers in the Narendra Modi government's first reshuffle.

The former Goa CM is tipped to get the Defence portfolio which Finance Minister Arun Jaitley currently holds additional charge of. Senior BJP leader JP Nadda also took oath as Cabinet minister. Nadda is a Rajya Sabha MP from Himachal Pradesh and is considered close to the RSS.

BJP leader Ch. Birender Singh was also sworn-in as Cabinet minister.

1.25 pm: Swearing in ceremony set to begin at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with senior BJP leaders LK Advani, Amit Shah, Sushma Swaraj and others were seen at the Rashtrapati Bhavan this afternoon for the first reshuffle of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's council of ministers.

While there was speculation that Shiv Sena's Anil Desai will be sworn-in, he was not seen at the President's house. Suresh Prabhu, however, was seen at the swearing in, an indication that he will be given a berth. Reports suggest that Desai who arrived in Delhi this morning, has not stepped out of the airport as yet.

12.40 pm: Sena-BJP stand-off continues, who will be sworn-in?

Shiv Sena's Anil Desai has been nominated by the party to be a part of the Union council of ministers but the Shiv Sena wants the BJP to first sort out the Maharashtra imbroglio where it is still hopeful of being part of the Devendra Fadnavis government.

According to a Times of India report, BJP chief Amit Shah offered Sena two berths, but insisted that Suresh Prabhu, Prime Minister Modi's choice be one of them. The Sena, though, is not happy about the development after Prabhu lost the 2009 Lok Sabha elections post which he hasn't been too involved with the party.

12.25 pm: Former Goa CM Manohar Parrikar to be Home Minister?

While speculation over the last few days has been that Parrikar will take over as the Defence Minister of the country, relieving Finance Minister Arun Jaitley of the additional portfolio, multiple news reports quoting sources are now claiming that Parrikar could well be given the Home portfolio, currently held by Rajnath Singh, who will take charge of Defence.

What this could effectively mean is that Parrikar could be the No 2 in Modi's Cabinet. But for now, we leave it as mere speculation, given that Parrikar, in an earlier interview with NDTV, spoke of how he would ensure there are no scams in the Defence ministry if given the portfolio.

12.15 pm: Rajiv Pratap Rudy to be MoS (Independent Charge) in Modi govt

BJP's Rajiv Pratap Rudy will be a part of the Modi cabinet, he confirmed to reporters earlier this morning.

"t’s a great opportunity to work with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and be a part of his team. I am looking forward to it. I have received an invite from Cabinet Secretariat to attend the swearing-in and was informed that I'll be inducted in PM's Cabinet on independent charge."

Rudy hails from Bihar, which will be going to polls next year, and the BJP is keen on forming government in the state where it's alliance with the JD-U ended last year.

11.40 am: Olympian shooter-turned-politician Rajyavardhan Rathore to join govt

Rajyavardhan Rathore, who is likely to be inducted in the Cabinet, said that the Prime Minister invited him for the breakfast today, an indication that he will be part of the Council of Ministers.

"I am proud that he (Modi) has selected me. It is a great honour. With it comes greater responsibility... I have come here for responsibility," he told PTI.

10.37 am: Sena leaders Suresh Prabhu, Anil Desai to be inducted into Modi Cabinet?

Four cabinet ministers, 15 Ministers of State (MoS) and 3 MoS (Independent charge) will be inducted into Modi's cabinet today at a swearing-in ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Shiv Sena leader Suresh Prabhu had attended PM Narendra Modi's tea party for new ministers despite the Shiv Sena saying they will not be a part of the cabinet, NDTV reported.

Another Shiv Sena leader Anil Desai is travelling to New Delhi and is also expected to be sworn-in. Sources in the Sena told Firstpost that the party wants BJP to expand the state cabinet and include at least two ministers from the Sena before the trust vote on 12 November. Read the entire report here.

“We have sent Anil Desai's name to Delhi from Sena so he can be included in the Modi Cabinet tomorrow. We are expecting a response from BJP on power sharing in Maharashtra. If that doesn’t happen, then Desai will not take oath on Sunday,” Neelam Gorhe, Sena spokesperson told Firstpost.

Shooter-turned-politician and 2004 Olympic silver medalist Rajyavardhan Rathore also got an invitation from the Prime Minister to attend the tea party and could be a part of the new ministers being inducted.

10.00 am: Shiv Sena, NCP leaders hold talks

In a bid to build pressure on the BJP, some Sena MLAs met senior NCP leaders Ajit Pawar and Chhagan Bhujbal on Friday. However, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar denied that the NCP was planning any move against the BJP by partnering with the Sena.

At least 20 new ministers to be inducted into Modi govt today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Union council of Ministers will see at least 20 new entrants, taking the total number of ministers to above 60.

The swearing-in ceremony, which will begin at 1.30 pm at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, will see several BJP leaders including Manohar Parrikar, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Rajiv Pratap Rudy and Bandaru Dattatreya being inducted.

The current strength of the Council of Ministers is 45 -- 23 of Cabinet rank, including the Prime Minister, and 22 Ministers of State. Of the 22 MoS, 10 hold Independent Charge.

Updates for 8 November end

4:09 pm: Parsekar takes oath as the Goa chief minister

Goa Health Minister Laxmikant Parsekar was today elected leader of the BJP Legislature Party, paving the way for his elevation as the new Chief Minister, snuffing out any challenge from Deputy CM Francis D'Souza.

He swore as the new CM, about 45 minutes after the announcement was made by Rudy. D'Souza was also sworn in during the ceremony as Goa's deputy chief minister.

2.51 pm: Parsekar elected as Goa chief minister, Rudy confirms

Senior BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy on Saturday told PTI that Laxmikant Parsekar, currently health minister, was unanimously elected at the legislature party meeting and chosen as the next Goa chief minister.

Parsekar will be sworn in as the chief minister at 4 pm, reports said.

Speaking to the media, Rajiv Pratap Rudy said that with complete unanimity all the MLAs chose Parsekar as the legislative leader.

The Goa cabinet will constitute of 10 ministers and portfolios will be decided and distributed later, Rudy added.

When asked about Deputy CM Francis D'Souza's reaction, Rudy said that the deputy CM will continue in his post and with great humility he has supported Parsekar's candidature and his subsequent victory.

2.36 pm: Laxmikant Parsekar leads the race for next Goa CM

BJP Parliamentary Committee is meeting, as we speak, to elect the next chief minister of Goa. Former CM Manohar Parrikar submitted his resignation and tweeted out:

As I move into a new role entrusted by BJP and Hon. Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, I resigned as Chief Minister today. — Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) November 8, 2014

I assure that I will always be available for people of Goa. I thank each one of you for the support, love and affection. — Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) November 8, 2014

Media has been buzzing with speculations all morning as to who will be Parrikar's successor. While there was much discussion over the two frontrunners for the top post -- Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza and RSS strongman Laxmikant Parsekar -- the supporters of the Deputy CM threatened to quit if D'Souza was not elected as the next CM.

According to a report in PTI, Goa D'Souza who had staked claim for the chief ministerial post, on Sunday said he is still hopeful of getting the top job.

"I am still hopeful of being selected for the post. My name is still in the list. I am waiting for the decision from high command," D'Souza told PTI, ahead of his crucial meeting with Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar this afternoon.

D'Souza who arrived from London yesterday had claimed support of more than 12 legislators.

12.28 pm: Parrikar resigns as Goa chief minister

Manohar Parrikar on Saturday submitted his resignation as the chief minister of Goa. BJP will formally announce the new chief minister of the state at 4 pm on Saturday.

Tipped to be the next Union Defence Minister, Parrikar will leave for Delhi at 6 in the evening. The Modi government is all set for a cabinet reshuffle and also an expansion on Sunday.

According to CNN IBN, sources have indicated that Laxmikant Parsekar is most likely to be the next chief minister of Goa.

Party General Secretary J P Nadda told PTI that the Parliamentary board discussed the political situation in Goa as well as the name of BJP nominee for a Rajya Sabha seat from Uttar Pradesh.

A final decision will be announced at 4 pm today, Nadda said.

The meeting was chaired by BJP President Amit Shah. Parrikar is set to resign as Goa CM as he is tipped to be inducted in the Union Cabinet which will be expanded on Sunday.

The race for the Goa Chief Minister's post has ntensified with Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza throwing his hat into the ring while Health Minister Laxmikant Parsekar has emerged as the front-runner to succeed Parrikar. Names of other leaders have also been doing rounds for the position.

BJP's Goa state MLA's are also scheduled to hold a meeting at 12.30 pm on the issue of choosing their new leader.

Meanwhile, a journalist tweeted out Manohar Parrikar's letter of resignation.

Goa CM Manohar parrikar resigned. pic.twitter.com/PFIoj7zc9X — Umesh kumawat (@umeshk73) November 8, 2014

12.00 pm: Parrikar will leave for Delhi at 6 pm today

Manohar Parrikar is all set to submit his resignation and leave for Delhi at 6 pm on Saturday, NDTV reported. But the bigger problem facing the BJP leadership is who will be the next chief minister of Goa.

The BJP legislative committee is set to meet at noon to decide on the new Goa chief minister and the new leader will be elected at 4 pm, according to reports.

11.30 am: Decision on new Goa CM at 3 pm today

According to latest reports, the BJP Parliamentary Committee will meet to decide on the new chief minister of Goa in a while.

The decision on Manohar Parrikar's successor will come at 4 pm today, news channels said. Strife within the BJP Goa unit surfaced over the issue of succession. Speaking to media outlets, Manohar Parrikar termed the divide as "internal democracy" in an attempt to downplay the strife.

9.57 am: D'Souza's supporters threaten to quit

Manohar Parrikar is set to resign today as the Goa chief minister today. While the top BJP brass has not yet decided on who will succeed Parrikar, internal strife is surfacing over the succession issue.

The two frontrunners -- RSS strongman Laxmikant Parsekar and Catholic face of the state Francis D'Souza -- have locked horns over the CM post.

Speaking to CNN IBN on Saturday, Goa MLA and a D'Souza supporter, Vishnu Vagh said that since D'Souza was the senior most he should be the next chief minister of Goa.

"Goa is a secular state and it is time BJP sends the right message," Vagh told the channel. When asked how many MLAs are in support of D'Souza as the CM, Vagh said 10 BJP MLAs and other Independents want the Catholic leader of the state to be the next chief minister.

9.14 am: Deputy CM D'Souza threatens to quit if not made the CM

In a development which could embarrass the BJP, on the eve of chief minister Manohar Parrikar's impending elevation to the union cabinet Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza threatened to quit the government if he was not made the chief minister, IANS reported.

The tantrum by D'Souza comes a day before the BJP swears in a new chief minister following the elevation of Parrikar to the union cabinet, possibly as the Union Defence Minister.

"If I am not made the chief minister, I do not wish to continue in the government," said D'Souza, who has the backing of six BJP legislators, including at least three Catholic legislators and two independents.

Since Friday morning, a section of BJP's Catholic legislators have been demanding that a Catholic be made the chief minister.

Two of the top contenders for the Goa chief minister's post are Health Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Speaker of the assembly Rajendra Arlekar.

8.41 am: Divide over Manohar Parrikar's successor

Ahead of Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar's move to the Centre, the state unit of BJP is divided over the issue of who will succeed Parrikar. According to a report in The Indian Express, the BJP in Goa is divided whether the state should be led by a man of RSS leanings or a Catholic face.

The contenders for the post of Goa CM are -- health minister Laxmikant Parsekar, Goa Speaker Rajendra Arlekar and Union minister of State for Culture and Tourism Shripad Naik.

Parsekar, the main contender like Parrikar comes from a strong RSS background. Although, deputy chief minister and senior Catholic leader of the party Francis D'Souza cut his visit to London short and reached Goa to stake his claim to the chief minister's post.

D'Souza's supporters said that with 30 percent Catholic population it only made sense to have a Catholic chief minister. They added that D’Souza’s efforts during the 2012 Assembly Election which locked the minority votes for the BJP.

8.30 am: Ahead of Cabinet expansion, BJP leaders to meet

BJP's parliamentary committee is scheduled to meet today once Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi. This was PM's first trip to his constituency since he assumed the chair of the Prime Minister.

According to a report by NDTV, at the meeting on Saturday Modi and BJP leaders are expected to give a go ahead to the cabinet reshuffle and expansion. They will also approve Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar's move to the Centre

--

12.20 pm: Parrikar to be Rajya Sabha MP from Lucknow?

According to a report by NDTV, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is set to join the Modi cabinet, may be the Rajya Sabha nominee from Lucknow. He is likely to file his nomination on 10 November.

BSP General Secretary Akhilesh Das Gupta resigned from his seat on 3 November, days before his term ended. He had represented the constituency as a Congress MP in 1996 and 2002 and later as a BSP member in 2008.

According to the Constitution, the maximum period Parrikar can stay without being a representative of either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha is six months.

11.20 am: BJP central observers to arrive in Goa tomorrow

Senior BJP leaders - Rajiv Pratap Rudy and BS Yeddyurappa will arrive in Goa on Saturday to oversee the appointment of Manohar Parrikar's replacement. While party MLAs will meet today to decide on the next CM, Parrikar will resign only tomorrow after a formal announcement by BJP's Parliamentary Board committee.

10.30 am: Parrikar to resign tomorrow after BJP parliamentary board meet

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi for the first time after assuming charge as PM, Manohar Parrikar's resignation as chief minister will happen only on Saturday after Modi returns for the BJP's Parliamentary board meeting in the national capital in which Parrikar will be given the official go-ahead. BJP chief Amit Shah is also not in the capital and is currently in Chennai on a private visit.

Parrikar is expected to resign at noon tomorrow and the new chief minister will also be sworn-in then.

Later today, BJP MLAs will meet to take stock of the current situation while in the evening Parrikar will head his last Cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile, Goa's Attorney General Atmaram Nadkarni has reportedly said he will quit as soon as Parrikar quits as he has no intentions of carrying on if Parrikar is not the CM.

Tomorrow Parl Board will meet, then I will resign, after that MLAs will hold meet to choose next CM: Manohar Parrikar pic.twitter.com/OQebWJnRiC — ANI (@ANI_news) November 7, 2014

09.27 am: Who will replace Parrikar as Goa CM?

With Parrikar moving to the Union government, here are some of those who could be possible replacements for the top job.

Among the front-runners are Deputy CM Francis D'Souza, Health minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Speaker Rajendra Arlekar.

While sources have told Firstpost that Arlekar has virtually been given the go-ahead by the RSS leadership, he faces allegations of disproportionate assets filed by a social activist cum lawyer Aires Rodrigues. The case is currently in its final hearing.

Deputy CM D'Souza is the party's sole minority face in the state but his candidature seems unlikely for now. This, as the BJP has little to achieve by wooing minorities since it has already swept the state in both - Assembly and Lok Sabha polls.

Another leader, whose name has not been widely discussed is North Goa MP Shripad Naik. Before the elections held in 2012, the BJP faced a divided house with many wanting Naik to be the party's face in the state. For now, though, Naik is MoS Tourism in the Union cabinet.

Naik, who outranks Parrikar as far as local party seniority is concerned, was relegated to the fringes of 'real power' by the Parrikar camp over the years. "With Parrikar in Delhi, this could be the perfect time for Shripad to come back to Goa and take charge of state politics," a close aide of Naik told Firstpost.

Health Minister Parsekar, who has been a loyal party soldier and has headed the state unit in 2002 and 2012 (both times BJP formed government), was this morning seen outside Parrikar's official residence. He, like Arlekar, also enjoys the support of the RSS.

09.00 am: TDP to get another berth in Modi Cabinet?

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party is likely to get another berth in the Union cabinet, news reports have indicated. According to CNN-IBN, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Naidu last night sparking rumours that his party will see better representation in the central government.

"You will know details about the Cabinet expansion in two days," Naidu told reporters at the World Economic Forum.

8.25 am: Parrikar to resign today, BJP to choose new Goa CM

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will resign from his post today following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to have him in his Union cabinet.

The BJP's legislative party will meet this morning to elect their new leader and in all likelihood it will be Goa Speaker Rajendra Arlekar, who also has the backing of the RSS. The other front runners are Goa Health Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, Dy CM Francis D'Souza and current North Goa MP and Mos (Independent Charge) Tourism Shripad Naik. The new Chief Minister will take charge on Saturday.

At a press conference on Thursday, Parrikar confirmed that party chief Amit Shah had asked him to pack his bags and move to Delhi as Modi has a role for him.

Speaking to the Economic Times, Parrikar said there was no need for all details to be out in the open and certain decisions would be made public at the right time.

"All things do not have to be confirmed or denied. I think people realise that there are certain things that can be discussed publicly and some things that cannot be discussed," he said.

While Parrikar refused to divulge which ministry would be given to him, he told NDTV in an exclusive interview that if given charge of Defence, he will be a man of integrity.

"I give you a guarantee that if I do get the Defence Ministry, I will be clean, transparent and open. On November 9, I will complete 20 years in politics, without a single stain or allegation against me," Parrikar told the news channel.

Senior BJP leader and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who has been holding additional charge of Defence, is likely to be relieved of the portfolio and retain charge of Finance.

With the Monsoon session of Parliament set to begin on 24 November, a Cabinet reshuffle was on the cards given many in the BJP-led NDA government were holding charge of multiple portfolios.

The reshuffle is likely to happen on Sunday at noon before Prime Minister Modi heads out to Myanmar, Australia and Fiji on diplomatic visits. The reasoning given for conducting the expansion now and not post 18 November is to allow the new ministers enough time to familiarise themselves with their new ministries ahead of the Parliament session.