Ravi Naik

Ravi Naik Biography

Ravi Naik is an Indian politician belonging to Indian National Congress, associated with regional politics of Goa. He is a Chief Minister of Goa for two terms between 25 January 1991 and 18 May, 1993 and also 2 April 1994 and 8 April 1994, when he served as the 7^th and 9th Chief Minister of Goa respectively. His second term in 1994 was only short-lived just 7 days. It is the shortest term of any chief minister for the state of Goa. He was controversially appointed by the then Governor then. He started his political career with the largest regional party of Goa, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party before he switched to INC. He has been a national-level volley ball player.

Ravi was born in Ponda, Portuguese Goa on 18 September 1946 into a Hindu family. His father’s name is Sitaram Naik. Ravi was an agriculturalist before he joined active politics. He owned a bar and restaurant in Ponda, which is recorded as his first profession. He was also a social worker before he got active in regional politics, and social work is his special interest. His hobbies include - gardening, music, reading and watching TV. During his younger days he played sports, especially volleyball. He also remained a national level player. He is perhaps one of the rare legislators of Goa, who had a sports career too. He also played badminton.

Naik contested his first elections in 1980 on a Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party ticket, but lost it. He quit the party in 1991 to become the 7th Chief Minister of Goa. It was his first term as CM, and he remained in chair for around 2.5 years. He became a member of the Goa Legislative Assembly for the first time in 1984. He has also served as Cabinet minister multiple times, handling portfolios such as Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Information & Publicity, Home, PWD, Finance etc.

Published: February 15, 2019

Updated: February 15, 2019