Naik, a six-time MP from Goa, defeated Congress candidate and former law minister Ramakant Khalap by a margin of over one lakh votes.
Naik is fondly called 'Bhau' (brother) throughout the state.
He is the tallest leader of the Bhandari community, which comprises 60 percent of the state's population.
He served as a Union minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee and last two Narendra Modi-led NDA governments.
During the Vajpayee-led government, Naik held several portfolios, including Minister of State for Agriculture, Civil Aviation, Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, and during the Modi-led government, he held the portfolio of Minister of State, Independent Charge of AYUSH. . Defence, and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture and Tourism.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and other BJP leaders have expressed happiness over Naik's induction as a cabinet minister.
Naik is fondly called 'Bhau' (brother) throughout the state.
He is the tallest leader of the Bhandari community, which comprises 60 percent of the state's population.
He served as a Union minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee and last two Narendra Modi-led NDA governments.
During the Vajpayee-led government, Naik held several portfolios, including Minister of State for Agriculture, Civil Aviation, Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, and during the Modi-led government, he held the portfolio of Minister of State, Independent Charge of AYUSH. . Defence, and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture and Tourism.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and other BJP leaders have expressed happiness over Naik's induction as a cabinet minister.
