From Goa, to help Modi make in India

President Pranab Mukherjee and PM Narendra Modi with the newly sworn-in minister Manohar Parrikar. (Source: PTI photo)

Manohar Gopalkrishna Prabhu Parrikar is known to have been handpicked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he wants the defence ministry to play a crucial role in his “Make in India” program. Parrikar, who has the backing of the RSS too, has seen his stock rise after winning a majority in Goa where political instability was frequent. A taskmaster and a strategist, Parrikar is known for his blunt talk — he reportedly referred to L K Advani as “old rancid pickle” and later had to clarify what he meant — and the way he controlled his Goa cabinet. One of Modi’s closest aides, he was among the first leaders to urge the BJP to announce Modi as PM candidate ahead of the elections. Besides, party insiders say, he “pleased” Modi with his candid remark that the 2002 Gujarat communal violence had been a mistake and that Modi had never allowed such violence to recur.

In his home state, a giant screen was propped up outside the BJP office, where party workers, corporators and Parrikar’s personal staff sat huddled together since noon. As Parrikar appeared on screen, they leapt off their chairs cheering, distributing sweets and lighting firecrackers.

“It is very mixed feelings for us. Yesterday we were sad he is abruptly leaving Goa, today we are proud to see him inducted in the cabinet,” said Sheetal Naik, corporator from Panaji.