Shripad Naik, a seasoned politician and six-time Member of Parliament (MP) from North Goa, has solidified his reputation as a stalwart of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Known for his simple lifestyle and strong grassroots connections, Naik has garnered immense support from both party members and voters, as evidenced by his consecutive victories in the Lok Sabha elections.
The 71-year-old Naik has had a remarkable political journey, marked by his resilience and dedication. Despite facing personal tragedies, including a severe road accident in Karnataka in January 2021 that resulted in the loss of his wife and personal assistant, Naik has continued to serve with vigour. After undergoing multiple surgeries and a significant recovery period, he resumed his duties as a minister of state in the central government.
In the most recent Lok Sabha elections, Naik secured his sixth consecutive win from the North Goa constituency, defeating Congress candidate and former Union minister Ramakant Khalap by a substantial margin of over 100,000 votes. Following his victory, Naik was once again inducted into the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government as a Minister of State (MoS) on Sunday evening.
Naik's political career has been marked by his service in various ministerial roles. In the previous Modi government, he held the positions of MoS for Tourism and Ports, Shipping and Waterways since 2021. His extensive experience also includes serving as the MoS (independent charge) for the AYUSH Ministry, MoS for Defence, and MoS (independent charge) of Culture and Tourism.
Born in the village of Adpai in Ponda taluka, North Goa, Naik was among the early members of the BJP in Goa, alongside notable leaders such as the late Manohar Parrikar, Rajendra Arlekar, and Laxmikant Parsekar. His political journey began with his first election victory from the North Goa seat in 1999, and he has successfully retained his seat in subsequent elections held in 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2024.
During his campaign for the 2024 elections, Naik indicated that this would be his last parliamentary election, expressing his intention not to contest future elections. He attributed his electoral success to the unwavering support of the BJP cadre, emphasising their crucial role in his repeated victories.
Naik's long-standing commitment to his constituency and his party has made him a respected figure in Indian politics. His ability to connect with voters and his dedication to public service continue to inspire confidence among his supporters, ensuring his legacy in Goa's political landscape.
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