From IIT to CM's Chair: Manohar Parrikar

Bangalore: Manohar Parrikar, the first IITian to become the Chief Minister of a state in 2000 is set to come back for a third stint as a CM. A metallurgical engineer from IIT-Bombay, he is known for his clean image, blunt comments and development initiatives.

Parrikar, 56, was first elected to the Goa legislative assembly in 1994 from Panjim and has since not stood from any other constituency. He got his 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. His stint was short-lived in the state due to the state’s fragile politics and he had to demit office in early 2002. He returned to power a few months later but quit again in 2005 after a few MLAs withdrew support to him. In March 2005 the state was put under President's Rule after his exit.

In the run-up to 2012 polls, Parrikar was the face of BJP. He was quoted saying to CNN-IBN “This time the BJP has a clear majority which is almost 70 percent.” In his own Panaji assembly constituency, he is considered as a tough man to beat. Known for his development-oriented image he is a sharp contrast to his rivals.