Testing time for unfazed leader
OLD GOA
Manoj alias Tukaram Parab was born on August 18, 1985 to Bharat Parab and Chandralekha Parab in Pirna, Bardez. Bright in studies, Parab went on to complete his post-graduation with Masters in Science (Geology). In fact, Parab was a topper in Geology in TYBSc.
In 2008, Parab began his career as a geologist and worked for various mining firms like Salgaonkar Mines, Sesa Goa Mines and Fomento Mines.
Then, Parab shifted to Mumbai where he worked for an offshore rig company for 3 years.
Parab then ventured into business starting a Vodafone Mini Store in Panaji along with one of his friends. Later, he started his own professional water tank cleaning services in 2013, which continues till date.
But Parab always wanted to take a dive in politics as he wanted to bring about a change in Goa. And in February 2016, he joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) inspired by the party’s concept of Swaraj.
But, Parab felt that AAP was diverting from its ideology and parted ways just after the conclusion of the 2017 Assembly polls.
He then started his own outfit the Revolutionary Goans, in the month of March along with co-founders Viresh Borkar and Vishvesh Naik.
Under the leadership of Parab, the outfit was declared as a political party and the Revolutionary Goans Party was formed which contested the 2022 Assembly elections contesting in 38 out of the 40 Assembly constituencies.
The party was able to win in St Andre constituency where Viresh Borkar got elected but Parab, who contested in Tivim and Valpoi, lost in both constituencies.
But, Parab’s RGP emerged as a force to reckon with garnering 9.96% of the vote-share, making it the third largest party after BJP and Congress.
The Lok Sabha polls on May 7 will be a testing time for Parab, who is contesting from North Goa, as it will be able to reveal whether Parab upsets the apple-cart of Union Minister Shripad Naik.
