Panaji: Breaking his silence over reports about his possible appointment as Defence Minister, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today said BJP chief Amit Shah had asked him to take up an assignment at the Centre, if offered, and that he was willing to shoulder the responsibility.

He also said though he does not feel comfortable about shifting to Delhi, he will take up the responsibility "if nation requires" his services. "Party President Amit Shah spoke to me in the morning and asked me to accept any assignment that would be given by the Prime Minister," Parrikar told reporters.