Oscar Fernandes: the multi-faceted political leader

Oscar Fernandes: the multi-faceted political leader

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, June 18, 2013: Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha Member Oscar Fernandes, who is ‘Oscaranna’ to his close circles, is now a Union Minister for the second time. He has already  created a record by being a Member of Parliament for over three decades in his political career spanning over four decades.

 

 

 

Oscar who made  his foray into politics by contesting the Udupi Municipal Council election in the ‘70s  has the experience of working for the Congress from the grass root level as Block Youth Congress President. Oscar who won the Udupi Lok Sabha elections in 1980 has  recorded five successive wins  including the win in 1980, 1985, 1990, 1994 and 1998 general elections. Currently, he is a Rajya Sabha Member for the third term. Oscar who entered the Parliament in 1980, still continues to be a Parliament member.

He has held different positions in the party right from Block Youth Congress President to AICC  General Secretary post. He has served as KPCC President from 1987 to 1992 and as Political Secretary to late prime minister Rajeev Gandhi.  Earlier, he  has served as Labour Minister in  Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Cabinet. It was during his stint as labour minister that Udupi got a regional office of Provident Fund. Oscar has served as President and Convenor of various Parliamentary Committees.

 

He has also played a crucial role behind the implementation of Central Government schemes like Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana and Employment Guarantee Scheme.

Oscar who has served as AICC Executive Committee Member for 26 years, has significantly contributed to  the development of the coastal districts. When he was the Lok Sabha Member he had even served as President of Brahmavar Sugar Factory and strived for its development.

He had campaigned for late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi when she had contested from Chikmagalur and since then has been close to the Gandhi family.

 

In recognition of his achievements and services he has won several awards including Nelson Mandela Award as well as Honorary Doctorate of Mangalore University.

Oscar Fernandes, is one of the rare leaders who  works in his Delhi office till late night. He  believes in simple living and practices Yoga despite his hectic schedule. He feels   Yoga exercises daily can keep one physically fit. He is also a good mouth organ artiste and a swimmer.

He might be the  unproclaimed  Congress High Command of Udupi district,but  still continues to be  ‘Oscaranna’ for his close associates.