Manohar Parrikar finds virtual platform to set 'facts straight'

PANAJI: Chief minister Manohar Parrikar connects with the youth. And how. Not for him his fellow legislators' rides to the legislative assembly on fancy two-wheelers, nor for him the snazzy attire of jeans, T-shirts and bandanas. The politician who is most comfortable in a bush shirt, trousers and sandals has taken to a social networking site to reach out to his constituents, fans, friends and detractors.
And so on Sunday night the Panaji MLA posted his first Facebook status-"After 15 months of taking over as chief minister of the state, the journey has been full of ups and downs. However, due to relentless efforts, government has managed to implement most of the promised welfare schemes despite of a drastic drop in revenue. While social media is a great medium to reach out to people, of late, it has been used by many, probably with vested interests to spread blatant lies. While I respect criticism based on facts, Facebook has increasingly become a medium to spread lies. Though I had ignored this in the past, the wrong information provided could be taken by many as truth in absence of facts. Through my updates, I will bring to you the activities and the stand of the government and also, the facts. Regular updates to follow."
By Monday morning, within 13 hours of the post, there were 3,083 likes, and 645 responses. By evening the likes had touched 3,737, the responses, 800.
The numbers have obviously pleased the IIT Bombay-alumnus who knows much about using mediums to get the message through. Parrikar told TOI, "I am going to put certain facts on Facebook so that the people can know that certain groups are trying to destroy the facts." In characteristic style he set dates to the task: The Facebook page will be updated twice-a-week.
Back on the page-it has 43,095 people following-an overwhelming majority of those who have commented have given the chief minister a thumbs up, some have been critical, and yet others have found the perfect platform to raise grouses.
"I am your fan. Highly disappointed over inaction in mining and PWD scams, how is your government different than previous when it comes to corruption investigations? Where is much talked 'parivartan'?" posted Praveen Mhapsekar.
Mining, in fact, echoed in the posts of several who commented, a few even advising the chief minister on what can be done.
Others have asked directly that the man in charge get his administration to work. Nikhil Kamat posted that he and others have been waiting for 17 days for post graduate admissions to the medical and dental colleges and that inquiries have been met with 'the matter is pending with the state government'. "Kindly reply soon as our future is at stake since the last 6 months," Kamat posted. The comment was a mere few hours into Parrikar's post.
But it isn't just the tech-savvy aam admi Parrikar's Facebook account will have to deal with. A BJP supporter lamented, in comment, that requests for financial support to organize cultural programmes have been rejected. It's to be seen if the supporter will get a friend request.