PANAJI
“Chai piya… samosa khaya… non-veg khana khaya…” — one of the most trending lines by the State’s tallest political leader, Ravi Naik — known for his earthy one-liners and spontaneous quips — became part of Goa’s political folklore.
On Wednesday, people across Goa bid farewell to one of its most seasoned politicians — Agriculture Minister and two-time former Chief Minister Ravi Sitaram Naik. But beyond his decades of political experience, towering presence, and administrative acumen, Naik will also be fondly remembered for his quick wit and inimitable sense of humour that often lit up Goa’s political discourse.
Whether in the Assembly, at public meetings, or in casual interactions, his comic timing could defuse tension or draw laughter even in heated moments.
One of his most famous lines came during a debate when he quipped about “mindset changing with the seat,” a playful jab at political opportunism that drew chuckles across party lines. On another occasion, when asked by reporters about frequent defections, he smiled and replied, “In Goa, even the politicians take susegad seriously — they move only when the seat becomes comfortable!”
Yet another humorous political reaction came soon after the BJP won both the Lok Sabha seats in 2014. “Vitamin ‘M’ factor worked for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in all 40 Assembly constituencies that led to Congress’ defeat here,” Naik had said after facing a humiliating defeat in the parliamentary polls. Naik made the media persons guess what he meant by the ‘M’ factor. “You people know more than me which M factor worked,” he quipped, responding to the question whether the M factor meant money, Modi or Manohar Parrikar.
Naik’s wit was not limited to politics; it reflected his deep connection with the Goan spirit. His speeches often carried a mix of Konkani idioms, rustic humour, and philosophical undertones — earning him admiration from both colleagues and critics.
“Chai piya… samosa khaya…,” was what he had said after coming out from a BJP meeting soon after the 2022 polls — which he contested on the saffron party symbol. A month down the line, during the Assembly session, the ex-Minister reiterated, “Chai piya… samosa khaya… aur aaj non-veg khana bhi khaya.”
His son Roy Naik once described his father’s humour as “his natural way of dealing with pressure.” Indeed, in an era of sharp political divides, Ravi Naik’s easy wit remained a bridge — connecting people, cutting through confrontation, and reminding Goans that politics, too, could be human.
Ravi Naik’s life and political journey may have ended, but his humour — simple, spontaneous, and unmistakably Goan — will continue to echo in the corridors of the Assembly and the hearts of those who knew him.
“Ravi bab had this rare ability to make a point with laughter,” recalls former legislator Ramakant Khalap, who served alongside him in the past. “Even during tough discussions, he could make everyone laugh — and that laughter often paved the way for consensus.”
After coming back to power and Ministerial office in 2022, Naik made several statements that stormed social media. In one of the Assembly sessions, speaking during demands on Agriculture and Civil Supplies, Naik had told all the legislators that their works would be done as his department had got lots of money. “Saglyache kam karta… sagle baron ghetla… tumi te cut motion fati gheyat… kam bi karap tumche ani opposition bi,” he had said.
Just a month ago, when the government was seriously exploring options to tackle rampant elephant Omkar, Naik had said, “He is in love with us… he has come to meet the people… let him meet them.”
“Elephant is the form of Ganesha, and we consider Ganpati as our lord. We also regard the elephant in the same light,” he had added.
In his humorous way, he had even touched on some serious issues like the sale of agricultural land to non-Goans. From the Floor of the House, he had appealed to people not to sell their ancestral properties to tourists or people from Delhi and other parts of the State.
As Goa mourns the passing of one of its oldest legislators, memories of his laughter and light-heartedness linger — a reminder that behind every seasoned politician, there can also be a storyteller, philosopher, and comedian at heart.
