Shripad Naik elected as Goa BJP president

Panaji, Nov 06: Senior BJP leader and North Goa MP, Shripad Naik, was today elected as the president of the party`s Goa unit and would lead the party in next year`s assembly polls.

Naik, a former minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee cabinet, succeeded Rajendra Arlekar who completed his three-year term.

Naik had twice been Goa unit president of the party earlier.

“We are happy to declare Naik as BJP`s Goa unit chief and he would lead the party for the legislative assembly elections, scheduled next year,” party observer Nitin Gadkari, who was here, told reporters.

Gadkari said the leadership qualities of Naik, who is an `humble and approachable` person, would help the party in the coming elections.

Naik said, “I have to work hand in hand with the workers…Manohar Parrikar government has proved that BJP can give productive government and we will be approaching every voter with the assurance to provide best governance.”

Naik, former Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, has made it twice in the parliament from North Goa seat. He has risen from the grassroot level as sarpanch of Durbhat in North Goa to the Union Minister`s post.