Shripad Naik Takes Oath as Minister in Modi 3.0 Cabinet
In a significant development, Shripad Naik, a six-time Member of Parliament from Goa, has been sworn in as a Minister in the Modi 3.0 Cabinet. Naik, a stalwart of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been a prominent figure in the political landscape of Goa, garnering immense support from both his party cadre and voters in the North Goa Lok Sabha constituency.
The 71-year-old politician, who has previously served as a minister in the Modi-led governments, faced a tragic road accident in January 2021 in Karnataka, resulting in the loss of his wife and a personal assistant. Despite the adversity, Naik underwent multiple surgeries, displayed remarkable resilience, and bounced back to resume his duties as a Minister of State in the central government.
Emerging victorious for the sixth consecutive time in the recent Lok Sabha elections, Naik’s decisive win over Congress candidate Ramakant Khalap by a substantial margin underscores his unwavering popularity among the electorate. In his previous tenure, Naik held portfolios such as Tourism, Ports, Shipping, Waterways, AYUSH, Defence, and Culture and Tourism, showcasing his versatility and dedication to public service.
Hailing from Adpai village in Ponda taluka of North Goa, Naik’s political journey traces back to his early association with the BJP in the state, alongside stalwarts like late Manohar Parrikar. With a firm resolve to prioritize the interests of his constituents, Naik expressed during the 2024 poll campaign that it would be his final parliamentary election, signaling a transition to a new phase in his political career.
As Naik embarks on his latest ministerial role in the Modi 3.0 Cabinet, his enduring rapport with the party cadre and voters stands as a testament to his enduring legacy in Goan politics.