Parrikar should focus on his health & retire: Velingkar

Former Goa RSS chief Subhash Velingkar Wednesday said Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar should give priority to his health and retire, instead of continuing to occupy the top post.

He also said the Goa BJP once felt that a "dynamic" leader like Parrikar should become the prime minister of the country.

Velingkar, who was once a strong supporter of Parrikar, had fallen out with him after the BJP-led state government decided to give grants to English medium schools. In 2016, he formed his own political outfit Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM).

"If I was with him (under current circumstances), I would make him retire. Health comes first," 70-year-old Velingkar told PTI.

Parrikar, 63, who is suffering from a pancreatic ailment, has been recuperating at his private residence near here. He had undergone treatment at hospitals in Mumbai, Delhi and the USA last year.

"His health is important for Goa. Parrikar is a dynamic leader, he is a good leader. He is good in decision making, but for