Panaji, Jan 29 (IANS) The Goan capital seems to have become an electoral hunting ground for IIT-Bombay alumni.
After former chief minister and IIT alumnus Manohar Parrikar, a five-time MLA from Panaji, gave up the seat after his elevation to the union cabinet last November, another graduate from the same Indian Institute of Technology, Samir Kelekar, has now thrown his hat in the ring.
Kelekar, five years Parrikar's junior at the elite technology institute located at Powai, in Mumbai, however has an uphill task against him in the Panaji byelection, where he is contesting as an independent against sitting mayor Surendra Furtado of the Congress and the BJP's Sidarth Kunkolienker, who until recently was Parrikar's political aide.
"It's not going to be a cakewalk, but it's an electorate of just 30,000. It's a small constituency and we have volunteers. It is doable," Kelekar told IANS shortly before filing his nomination earlier this week.
Kelekar's optimism stems not just from the small collective of civil society activists who have thrown their weight behind the Information Technology (IT) consultant but also from a trail of let-downs and failed promises which his IIT-B senior has left in his wake before taking up the defence ministry brief.
"It is a bit surprising and disappointing that an IITian would not want to keep his promises. Much more was expected from an IITian like Parrikar and it is quite disappointing, but I will keep my promises," Kelekar said.
Asked why the people should believe in yet another IITian's word, especially when his predecessor was dubbed by the opposition and civil society as a U-turn specialist, Kelekar said: "IIT is just one part of my pitch. For most people, IIT is the be all and end all. Before I went to IIT, I had a huge level of social consciousness and as a professional I have the proven experience of getting things done."
Kelekar, after his BTech, studied at the Ivy league Columbia University. After moving to Bangalore in 1995, he worked at tech companies like Motorola and Alcatel.
Kelekar was also in the forefront of a freedom of speech campaign last year after police threatened to arrest a Facebooker for making inflammatory comments on the social networking site against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then chief minister Parrikar.
Part of his poll campaign promise, he says, is to create a conducive environment for start-ups and make Panaji a Wi-Fi city, apart from promising to tackle other issues like garbage, traffic snarls and the like.
"Not much has happened in Panaji over the last two decades under Parrikar as MLA and chief minister. It's time that changed," Kelekar said.
Polling for the Panaji by-election will be held on Feb 13.
Now the Supreme Court's question to the Center: What have you prepared against Corona so far? Bombay, Madhya Pradesh, Allahabad, and Delhi High Court have already made strict remarks
The Supreme Court has now shown strictness regarding the rising cases of Corona and the deteriorating situation. The court has taken notice of the shortage of oxygen, ventilators, beds and essential
India vs Zimbabwe 3rd ODI today: Team India will come down to match the big record of Pakistan, know the playing of both the teams - X1
The third ODI between India and Zimbabwe will be played at Harare Sports Club today. The toss will take place at 12:15 pm. The Indian team, which has taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, will
Nokia G60 5G vs Nothing Phone 1: Nokia G60 5G or Nothing Phone One, which smartphone makes sense to buy? View comparison
Nokia G60 5G vs Nothing Phone 1: HMD Global launched the Nokia G60 5G smartphone to compete with the big smartphone companies in the Indian market. Nokia G60 has been made available in India for less
Another case found in Rewari
Rewari, 13 May
Corona continues to wreak havoc in UP, breaks all old records, 20510 new patients found in one day
The state of coronavirus is getting worse in the country's largest state Uttar Pradesh by population. The virus has broken all the old records here. The state has received 20,510 new cases during the
Ind vs WI: Hit yourself on the ax! Who is responsible for India's humiliating defeat in the 5th T20? Learn 5 big reasons
Ind vs WI 5th T20 Team India faced a crushing defeat in the five-match T20 series against the West Indies. In the fifth T20 match, West Indies defeated Team India by 8 wickets and won the series 3-2.
Datesheet released: Pre-board examination of class X-XII in government schools will start from March 10, exams will be held in two shifts
The Central Board of Secondary Education's Class X-XII second session examination is to begin from April 26. Pre-board preparation has started in schools for this exam. In such a situation, the
Lakhimpur Kheri case: Supreme Court expresses displeasure over delay in sending report to UP government, hearing adjourned till October 26
The Supreme Court has begun hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in connection with the violent incident that took place in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri earlier this month. Eight people,
Work From Home: WHO Reveals, Working Over 55 Hours In Week Can Lose Life, Increasing Stress
Due to the outbreak of the second wave of the Coronavirus, a lockdown is in place in all parts of the country. In such a situation, lakhs of employees working in all the companies are working from
Government approves national e-governance plan
New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) The government on Wednesday approved the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) or e-Kranti, which aims to enhance the portfolio of citizen-centric services and optimum usage