Antony takes over as Defence Minister
Shri AK Antony took over as Defence Minister here today. Replying to the queries from the media about the role of middlemen in Defence deals, the Defence Minister said his top priority will be to protect national interest to the utmost. Shri Antony said, we are living in a transparent democracy and every action of a public man, whether a Minister or an official is being scanned. Everyone should be aware of this fact, Shri Antony added.
Earlier on his arrival at the Ministry of Defence in South Block, Shri Antony was received by Defence Secretary Shri Shekhar Dutt and other senior officials. Later, the three Service Chiefs also called on him. The Defence Minister also took a meeting of senior officials of the Ministry, where he discussed the working of the Ministry and other important issues.
Born on December 28, 1940 to Shri Arakkaparambil Kurian Pillai and Smt Aley Kutty at Cherthala, Distt. Alappuzha (Kerala). He had his primary education at Govt High School Cherthala and took his degree in BA from Maharajas College and BL from Law College, University of Kerala, Eranakulum.
An Advocate by profession, Shri Antony started his political career as a Student Activist of Kerala Student’s Union. He has held many important political assignments such as President, Kerala Pradesh Youth Congress Committee, President and General Secretary of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, General Secretary of All India Congress Committee and Member, Congress Working Committee. He was first elected to Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1970 and was the Chief Minister of Kerala thrice during 1977-78, 1995-96 and 2001-2004. He was also leader of the opposition in Kerala Legislative Assembly during 1996 – 2001. Shri Anthony was Member Rajya Sabha twice from 1985 – 1991 and 1991-1995. He was Union Minister for Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution during 1994 – 1995. Shri Antony was elected to Rajya Sabha in May 2005 from Kerala.
Shri Antony edited a Malayalam Weekly ‘Kalasala’ during 1964 – 65 and later a Malayalam Daily ‘Veekshanam’ from 1978 to 1982. He is fond of reading and has visited many countries including Russia, Japan, France, UK and Yugoslavia.
SK/SKS/RAJ
(Release ID :21514)