Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, May 3: Goa legislative assembly deputy speaker and BJP leader Michael Lobo, on Thursday said that he is not interested in the position of Speaker, but is waiting for the day when he can be made the chief minister of Goa.

Speaking to reporters at the Assembly complex Porvorim he said, “I am interested in becoming chief minister and not speaker of the state legislative assembly. I am waiting for that one day when I will be made chief minister of Goa.

“I want to become the chief minister to solve the issue of employment and generate self-employment in the state. I do not want to be speaker. You cannot force anybody, but if the party forces me to become chief minister I will. If the party forces me to become speaker I will not. I am happy as deputy speaker where I can raise the issue of Goans."

After the demise of former chief minister Manohar Parikar, speaker Pramod Sawant was appointed as chief minister and since then the speaker’s post has been vacant.

While mentioning the reason why he does not want to become speaker, Lobo said, “Speaker is neutral when you assume office and I cannot take it. Let the seniormost member of the House who is due for retirement at next assembly election take that position and let him be happy that he retired as speaker.”