Panaji, Sept 15: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar spoke to BJP president Amit Shah on phone and expressed his "inability" to continue as the state's CM. Parrikar's request to "resign" comes amid a prolonged illness, which has forced him to visit the United States of America twice this year.

The phone conversation between Parrikar and Shah reportedly occurred on Friday, when the two leaders exchanged Ganesh Chaturthi greetings to each other. A BJP leader claimed that the conversation went long, with Parrikar urging the party chief to relieve him of the charge owing to health issues.

Parrikar has also conveyed his request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Shah has reportedly asked Parrikar to continue as the Chief Minister till the BJP looks for an alternative arrangement. As an immediate measure, he is likely to be relieved of some key portfolios.

"Parrikar spoke to Shah and briefed him about the political situation in the state, and also informed him about his health condition. It was decided that Parrikar will continue as the chief minister but he might give some of his portfolios to his cabinet colleagues," a state BJP leader told news agency PTI.

Parrikar is scheduled to be flown to Delhi later in the day, where he will be admitted at the AIIMS. This comes days after he returned from the US, where he was being reportedly treated for pancreatic ailments.

Along with Parrikar, two senior Goa Ministers - Pandurang Madkaikar and Francis D'Souza - are likely to be relieved of their charges as the duo are suffering from serious health issues. Both Madhaikar and D'Souza are currently hospitalised.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 15, 2018 09:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).