Dayanand Bandodkar

Dayanand Bandodkar Biography

Dayanand Bandodkar was a prominent politician from Goa, who lived during the period, 12 March 1911 – 12 August 1973. He served as the first Chief Minister of Goa, Daman and Diu, and remained on chair for three terms during 1963–1973. Apart from President’s rule imposed on the state for 127 days between 2 December 1966 and 5 April 1967, he served as the CM of Goa from 20 December 1963 to 12 August 1973. Bandodkar died in office on 12 August 1973 at the age of 62. He was succeeded by his daughter, Shashikala Kakodkar who is the only woman CM of the state of Goa.

His full name is Dayanand Balkrishna Bandodkar. He was born on 12 March 1911 in Goa. He was affectionately referred to as ‘Bhausaheb’, and also Bhausaheb Bandodkar instead of Dayanand Bandodkar. He was a representative of Maharastrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP). Soon after Portuguese left Goa, he was sworn in as the first CM of the state. Initially he supported the idea to merge Goa into the Indian state of Maharashtra, during his tenure as state chief. This proposal got into controversies. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had granted Goa the right to hold a referendum over the same issue in 1967 and Bhau’s side lost the referendum.

In the post-independent era, he gave a rich contribution towards the development of Goa in a time period of 10 years. He passed away when he was serving his third term as CM. It was only 1 year and 142 days since he was elected for the post for the third term. In fact till his death no other political leader has served as the chief minister of Goa. After his death he was succeeded by his daughter.

Bollywood actress Leena Chandavarkar was first married to Dayanand Bandodkar’s son, Siddharth Bandodkar (after Dayanand’s death). He died from an accidental gunshot wound, a few days after the marriage, and later Leena remarried legendary singer-actor Kishore Kumar.

Published: February 15, 2019

Updated: February 15, 2019