ELECTION 99
US EDITION
COLUMNISTS
DIARY
SPECIALS
INTERVIEWS
CAPITAL BUZZ
REDIFF POLL
DEAR REDIFF
THE STATES
YEH HAI INDIA!
ELECTIONS
ARCHIVES

Search Rediff

Francisco Sardinha: Mr Charming of Goan politics

The tall and handsome Francisco Sardinha was confidence personified as he spoke to reporters after being invited by Governor Lt Gen J F R Jacob to form the new government in Goa.

Though this will be Sardinha's first stint as the chief minister, he has to his credit a long and illustrious political career stretching 20 years.

Sardinha (54), an upright politician known for his charm and integrity, began his political career in 1977 when he joined the Congress. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a minister in the Pratapsinh Rane government three years later.

Under Sardinha's leadership, Curtorim in south Goa witnessed a complete transformation from a small village to a bustling town. Such was Sardinha's popularity in the town that he won two consecutive elections - 1984 and 1989 - without much difficulty.

In 1994, however, he lost to United Goan Democratic Party candidate, Antonio Gaonkar, by a thin margin of 94 votes.

A teacher by profession, Sardinha is a good athlete and loves to sing.

He was member of the 12th Lok Sabha, but after its dissolution decided to return to state politics

Sardinha's family of four includes his wife Columbia and three sons.

UNI

Tell us what you think of this report