Panaji, Mar 6: Technocrat-turned-politician, Manohar Parrikar, set to become Goa Chief Minister for the third time, is known for his clean image, blunt talk and development initiatives.
Parrikar, 56, who had launched a campaign against the Congress-led government on the issue of illegal mining in the state, emerged as the rallying-point for anti-Congress sentiment.
In his own Panaji assembly constituency, he is considered as a tough man to beat with his development-oriented image, a sharp contrast to his rivals.
Residents of Panaji know Parrikar as a next-door neighbourhood man who will not hesitate to come over for a cup of tea and talk, a trait that makes it easier for him to have his finger on the pulse of the people.
A Bombay IIT graduate in metallurgical engineering and among the first members of BJP in the state, he has been instrumental in raising the profile of his party from its just four members in state assembly in 1994 to its present status as a ruling party with the highest number of seats in the state assembly.
Parrikar got the first taste of power in the state in 2000 when he was elected the Chief Minister, becoming the first IITian to head a state government.
