Manohar Parrikar, the first IITian to become CM, turns 62
What's the story
Incumbent Goa CM, Manohar Parrikar is often described as an RSS pracharak, IITian, hard taskmaster and Modi's confidante.
In Goa, he has raised BJP's strength from four MLAs in 1994 to becoming the ruling party.
A no-nonsense politician, Parrikar is indispensable to BJP. Current allies agreed to a BJP-led government only if Parrikar heads it.
On his 62nd birthday, let's look at his journey.
RSS/BJP
The RSS man and IITian who was shifted to BJP
Born in Goa's Mapusa in 1955, Parrikar joined the RSS during his school days.
He pursued metallurgical engineering from IIT-Bombay and graduated in the year 1978. As a sanghchalak in Mapusa, in the 1990s, he was heavily involved in spreading the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in Goa.
He was later shifted to BJP to counter the growing clout of Maharashtravadi Gomantak Party (MGP).
CM
From opposition leader to Goa CM
Ironically, Parrikar's electoral debut in 1991 LS polls was a failure.
He was first elected to Goa's legislative Assembly in 1994. His rise within BJP was meteoric. He soon became leader of opposition in 1999.
Later, in 2000, Parrikar became CM after BJP withdrew support to Goa People's Congress government. He resigned in 2002, calling for fresh elections and returned to power in 2002-2005.
Political moves
Lost chief-ministership, but through political deftness, returns as CM
In 2005, Parrikar lost support of four BJP MLAs and was subsequently defeated in 2007 elections.
But, a populist manifesto and political maneuvering like an alliance with the Catholic Church led to BJP winning 21 of 40 seats. Parrikar returned as CM.
With schemes like reducing petrol prices by Rs. 11/litre and Griha Aadhar, providing housewives' monthly incomes, Parrikar became a popular CM overnight.
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But, CM Parrikar faced the ire of his opponents
CM Parrikar, however, faced public annoyance for failing to crack down on mining and Goa's casino industry. Ironically, in 2011, while in the opposition, his controversial Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report highlighted illegal mining issues, leading to an investigation by the Justice MB Shah Commission.
Defence minister
In 2014, Parrikar was called to Centre to handle defense
In 2014, despite his initial refusal, Parrikar became defense minister in Modi's cabinet. This marked his entry on the national stage.
His brief was clear: modernize the Indian military and get it battle-ready.
Parrikar is credited for a remarkable defense procurement proposal. He resolved One Rank One Pension issue and took a hardline against Pakistan, undertaking surgical strike against them after the Uri attack.
BJP
In 2017, despite finishing second, BJP forms government in Goa
In 2017 Assembly elections, BJP performed badly. State leaders attributed this loss to Parrikar's absence. However, despite securing just 13 seats as opposed to Congress's 17 in the 40-member Assembly, Parrikar returned as CM.
This was because Parrikar skilfully managed to form a coalition in the nick of time.
Now, his biggest challenge is keeping the coalition, comprising Goa Front Party and MGP, together.
Snippets
Some interesting facts about Parrikar
Interestingly, Parrikar is a man of modest means. He shunned government facilities. Instead, he prefers to travel by bicycle/public transport and lives in his own house.
This obviously furthers his image as a non-corrupt politician.
Moreover, Parrikar is known for his blunt talk. He was one of the few within BJP to say that the 2002 Godhra riots were a blot on Modi's career.