Panaji (Goa): After the BJP coming back to power in Goa with a near comfortable majority, the party is now holding parleys to elect its Chief Minister.

According to sources, the BJP assembly will meet today in Panaji to declare the name of the CM of the coastal  State. The date of the swearing-in ceremony is also expected to be announced today.

State president of the party, Sadanand Tanavade has informed that Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and L. Murugan would be chairing the meeting with the party legislators for finalizing the candidate and the date.

"The BJP legislature party meeting will be held at 4 pm at the BJP office," said Tanavade.

Meanwhile, the acting CM Pramod Sawant is believed to the main contender in the race for the post of CM of Goa. Since the last election was held under his leadership, and since no other names are making a strong presence, the party is said to be considering retaining Sawant for the top post. He however has made it clear that he will shoulder any responsibility the party will offer to him.

Claiming that he was happy to ensure the victory of at least 20 MLAs for the party in the assembly polls, he said that the Central leaders would be attending the crucial meeting to take a final call on all important aspects.  “ I will gladly accept the responsibility given by the party," said Sawant.

The BJP will stake a claim and approach Governor P. S. Sreedharan Pillai to form the government.

Earlier on Saturday,  Sawant met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss government formation.

In the recently concluded state Assembly polls, the BJP emerged as the single largest party in Goa, winning 20 seats in the 40-member state Assembly and decimated Congress to 11 seats. The BJP fell one seat short of the majority figure in Goa but is set to retain power in the state with the help of Maharashtrawadi Gomantak (MGP) and independent candidates.