Thursday, February 3 2005 11:06 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Panaji: Newly sworn-in Goa Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane yesterday (Feb 02, 2005) said that the Governor had not given him any time-frame to prove his majority on the floor of the House.

"But, I will do so before presentation of the budget for the next fiscal," he told reporters in Panaji.

Rane said that his Government top priorities would be rural development, urban slum development and bringing in more industries in the State.

Asked whether Independent MLA Philipe Neri Rodriguez, who was also administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor S C Jamir, was his choice, he said "yes". Asked whether Rodriguez was rewarded as it was his eviction from the Assembly just before the confidence vote that set off pandemonium in the House, Rane denied this.

Asked how he would prove his majority when both sides had equal numbers on their sides, the Chief Minister simply smiled.