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Manohar Parrikar, one of the most popular leaders to have emerged from the coastal state of Goa, died on Sunday following an illness which he borne with dignity for over a year. Suffering from pancreatic ailments since January 2018, the four-time Chief Minister finally succumbed to the disease -- leaving behind a void too huge to fill. In the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation has lost an "exceptional administrator" and a "true patriot". On his unfortunate demise, here's a look back to the life and times of Parrikar.
First IIT Graduate to Serve as Legislator
Manohar Parrikar entered public life at a time when it was dominated by strongman politics. He is recorded as the first IIT graduate to have been elected as a legislator in a state assembly.
In 1978, Parrikar had succeeded in graduating from the coveted Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. He specialised in the field of metallurgical engineering. After successfully completing the degree course, the "son of Goa" decided to serve his state through politics, rather than pursuing a lucrative professional career.
A Devoted RSS Pracharak
Parrikar had once described his "Sangh background" as the reason behind his iron discipline. His association with the nationalist outfit dates back to the '70s. By the age of 26, he had been appointed as the sarsanghchalak (head director) of Mapusa district.
On the directions of the RSS, Parrikar joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which was battling the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) for political dominance in the state.
Political Ascent
In the 1994 elections to the Goa Assembly, Parrikar made his successful electoral debut, winning the crucial constituency of Panaji. Considering his diligence, popularity and merit, the BJP legislature party had decided to appoint Parrikar as the Leader of Opposition -- a post he continued to serve till 1999.
By the year 2000, Parrikar emerged as the tallest leader in state politics, with the BJP legislators solidly backing him for the chief ministerial post. With the required numbers, Parrikar took oath to Office on October 24 that year, and continued to serve till February 27, 2002 -- when fresh elections were necessitated.
Under his leadership, the BJP succeeded in getting re-elected, with Parrikar taking oath for the second time on June 5, 2002. His tenure, this time, lasted for three years as four BJP MLAs switched over to the Congress on January 29, 2005 -- turning the Parrikar government into a minority in the House.
Back as CM in 2012
Under Parrikar, the BJP once again returned to power in Goa in 2012 -- registering its most emphatic victory in the state so far. The party bagged 24 of the 40 constituencies, whereas, the Congress was reduced to 9. Parrikar took oath for the third time as the Chief Minister.
A "Parrikar wave", as local scribes had described in 2014, combined with the Narendra Modi wave, ensured the BJP a victory in both the Goa parliamentary seats in the general elections.
"Persuaded by PM Modi" to Join Union Cabinet
Parrikar's tech-background, workaholic style, clean image and no-nonsense administrator persona compelled Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring him to the Centre after the BJP won a single-majority mandate in 2014.
As per Parrikar's own account, he was reluctant to leave Goa for Delhi. He was, however, persuaded by Modi to head the Union Defence Ministry in "larger public interest". The Prime Minister needed a decision-maker to head the Ministry, and the then Goa CM was the most suitable candidate for him.
During his two-and-a-half year stint as the Defence Minister, Parrikar earned a reputation of expediting pending requests of the armed forces, pushing for urgent procurement of arms and re-opening the files pertaining to the alleged scams linked to AgustaWestland VVIP choppers deal.
It was during his tenure, in September 2016, when an elite squad of the Indian Army marched into the Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) and launched the "surgical strikes" -- which many claim to have redefined the manner in which India retaliates to cross-border terror.
Return to Goa in 2017
When the assembly elections in Goa were underway, Parrikar had hinted at a return to the electorate, with a cryptic message: "I prefer Fish Curry over Butter Chicken". In culinary terms, he indicated his preference for a Goa return, rather than staying at the Centre.
The fractured mandate in the assembly polls, with former BJP allies setting Parrikar's return as a "pre-condition" for forming a post-poll coalition, the party top brass was forced to send him back to the state as the Chief Minister.
Parrikar took oath again -- for the fourth time -- but as fate had it, he once again fall short of completing a full five-year term.
Battling Pancreatic Ailments For 14 Months
In January 2018, political and media circles in Goa were abuzz about Parrikar's ill-health. The CM was subsequently rushed to the United States, where he was treated for nearly four months at a New York-based medical facility.
After his return, in May last year, Parrikar resumed full-time operations. The Chief Minister, however, had to be readmitted again after symptoms of the ailments returned.
After being treated at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for a couple of months, Parrikar was released, and the treatment was largely confined to his Panaji-based residence.
In this period, Parrikar's public appearance was severely restricted despite continuing as the Chief Minister. He, however, met the bureaucrats, legislators and Ministers in an attempt to maintain administrative efficiency.
In one of his final public addresses, Parrikar echoed the "How's the josh" remark from a recent Bollywood release Uri: The Surgical Strikes. The gathering responded fervently saying "High Sir!"
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On being asked by the Opposition to first come to hosh, before signalling josh, Parrikar said he is in complete control and will continue to serve Goa "till his last breath". His words turned out to be cent per cent accurate, as Parrikar continued as a functioning CM till his vital body parameters began collapsing on Saturday.
To quote the President of India on this day of mourning, Parrikar borne his fatal illness with "fortitude and dignity". He was an "epitome of integrity and dedication in public life", his service to the people of Goa and of India "will not be forgotten".
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 17, 2019 10:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
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