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.