Sudhakarrao Naik


Sudhakarrao Rajusing Naik was an Indian politician from Indian National Congress party who served as Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 25 June 1991 until 22 February 1993 following the communal riots.

Career

He started his political career from his rural base as Sarpanch or village head. He was Member of Legislative Assembly for Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha from Pusad 5 times winning elections of 1978, 1980, 1985, 1990 and 1999 elections. He was the Chief Minister during the Mumbai riots of 1992-1993.
He became the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on 25 June 1991. His tenure was notorious for the "severe failure" to control the Bombay riots. The Justice Srikrishna Commission blames the "effete political leadership" of the Congress Government headed by Sudhakarrao Naik and the police force, whose "built-in bias" against Muslims "became more pronounced with murderous attacks on the constabulary and officers." The commission held that Sudhakarrao Naik "failed to act promptly and effectively and give clear-cut directives.".
Mr Naik's tenure as Chief Minister was also noted for his attempt to destroy the clout of
the Mumbai Underworld and bring them under the aegis of the law. He arrested the well-known gangsters Pappu Kalani, MLA from Ulhasnagar, and Bhai Thakur.