Manohar Parrikar, a senior political leader from Goa, served in the Union Council of Ministers of India in which of the following ministerial roles?

Introduction / Context:

This question tests knowledge of important personalities in recent Indian politics and the portfolios they have held. Manohar Parrikar was a prominent leader from Goa who held both state level and national level positions. Recognising the key role he played in the Union Government is part of general political awareness.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The personality mentioned is Manohar Parrikar.

- He is associated with Goa and national politics.

- The options list several important Union ministerial portfolios.

- The question asks which post he held in the Union Council of Ministers.

Concept / Approach:

Manohar Parrikar served as the Defence Minister of India in the central government before returning to state politics as Chief Minister of Goa. His tenure as Defence Minister included important decisions related to national security and defence procurement. Therefore, when a question asks which ministerial role he held at the Union level, the correct answer is Defence Minister.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

News reports, biographies, and political summaries consistently mention Manohar Parrikar as former Defence Minister of India. If one also remembers that he later resigned from this post to become Chief Minister of Goa again, that reinforces the recall that he held the defence portfolio, not the other ministries listed.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Railway Minister refers to a different portfolio that has been held by other leaders, not by Manohar Parrikar at the Union level.

Finance Minister is a very prominent role dealing with economic and fiscal policy, but Manohar Parrikar did not serve in that position in the central government.

Human Resource Development Minister, now often called Education Minister, is again a distinct ministry with other office holders.

Home Minister is responsible for internal security and related issues, but that portfolio was not held by Manohar Parrikar.

Common Pitfalls:

Some learners might confuse Manohar Parrikar with other national leaders who have held multiple portfolios. Another potential confusion arises because he is known both as Chief Minister of Goa and as Defence Minister at the centre. Remembering this dual role clearly helps avoid mixing him up with holders of the finance or railway portfolios.

Final Answer:

At the Union level, Manohar Parrikar served as the Defence Minister of India.