'Man next door' Parrikar set to return as Goa CM

Technocrat-turned-politician, Manohar Parrikar, set to become Goa chief minister for the third time, is known for his clean image, blunt talk and development initiatives.

Parrikar, 56, who had launched a campaign against the Congress-led government on the issue of illegal mining in the state, emerged as the rallying-point for anti-Congress sentiment.

In his own Panaji assembly constituency, he is considered as a tough man to beat with his development-oriented image, a sharp contrast to his rivals.

Residents of Panaji know Parrikar as a next-door neighbourhood man who will not hesitate to come over for a cup of tea and talk, a trait that makes it easier for him to have his finger on the pulse of the people.

A Bombay IIT graduate in metallurgical engineering and among the first members of Bharatiya Janata Party in the state, he has been instrumental in raising the profile of his party from its just four members in state assembly in 1994 to its present status as a ruling party with the highest number of seats in the state assembly.

Parrikar got the first taste of power in the state in 2000 when he was elected the chief minister, becoming the first IITian to head a state government.

However, the stint was shortlived in the state known for its fragile politics and he had to demit office in early 2002.

Parrikar returned to power a few months later but had to quit in 2005 after a few MLAs withdrew support to him.

The state was put under President's Rule after his exit in March 2005.

During his stints as chief minister, the BJP leader was credited with bringing the International Film Festival of India to Goa. The state also saw development of international quality infrastructure for the event in a short time.

However, those who have known Parrikar closely point out that he finds it difficult to delegate tasks to others, apparently unsure of their ability to deliver.

In the run-up to the elections, Parrikar was BJP's most visible face who, as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, brought to fore the issue of illegal mining in the state.

Speaker Pratapsinh Rane had disallowed him from tabling the report in the assembly, which later turned out to be a major poll issue.

Born on December 13, 1955 in Mapusa, Parrikar graduated from IIT Bombay in 1978 and was awarded by his alma mater with the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2001.

Parrikar's 'rancid pickle' comment about BJP veteran L K Advani had earned him the ire of the party's central leadership which was reportedly considering him as a possible candidate for the organisation's top post.

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