The Congress on Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of being irresponsible with Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s health. Parrikar returned to Goa on June 15, after undergoing treatment for a pancreatic ailment in New York for the past three months.

Goa Congress chief Girish Chodankar called on the chief minister to demit office. “The Congress party and those close to Parrikar feel that it is [Parrikar’s serving as chief minister] suicidal,” Chodankar told reporters. “He is ruining his health and it amounts to suicide. Is his party forcing him to do it?”

The BJP criticised Chodankar’s “demand for a medical fitness certificate” from the chief minister. “The chief minister has very skillfully conducted the state administration even during his absence,” the ruling party said. “Now that he is back, Goa will march forward under his visionary leadership.”

The 62-year-old former Union defence minister was admitted to the Goa Medical College and Hospital on February 16 with abdominal pain and food poisoning. He was taken to Lilavati Hospital soon after, and was discharged on February 22. He left for the US in March.