Daijiworld Media Network
Panaji, Mar 17: Chief minister of Goa Manohar Parrikar passed away on the evening of Sunday March 17. He was 63.
Parrikar was diagnosed for advanced pancreatic cancer in February last year and has been in an out of hospitals, in Goa, Mumbai, Delhi and New York since.
The Goa CM's demise was condoled by President of India Ramnath Kovind on his official Twitter account.
"Extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Shri Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister of Goa, after an illness borne with fortitude and dignity. An epitome of integrity and dedication in public life, his service to the people of Goa and of India will not be forgotten," the President tweeted.
The centre has announced national mourning on Monday March 18. State funeral will be accorded to him and the National Flag will fly at half-mast in the national capital and capitals of states and union territories.
Earlier in the evening, amid reports of Parrikar's health, the Chief Minister's Office tweeted that he was "extremely critical".
"Chief Minister @manoharparrikar's health condition is extremely critical. Doctors are trying their best," it said.
Reports said that his health had been fluctuating for many days and worsened on Saturday.
It may be recalled that Parrikar, who had also served as India's defence minister before becoming the chief minister of Goa, had said in January this year that he would "serve Goa till my last breath." Despite being severely ill, he had made public appearances with a tube on his nose. He served as the chief minister of Goa four times.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Manohar Parrikar as a true patriot and an exceptional administrator. "Shri Manohar Parrikar was an unparalleled leader. A true patriot and exceptional administrator, he was admired by all. His impeccable service to the nation will be remembered by generations. Deeply saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti," he said.
"Shri Manohar Parrikar was the builder of modern Goa. Thanks to his affable personality and accessible nature, he remained the preferred leader of the state for years. His pro-people policies ensured Goa scales remarkable heights of progress," the PM said.
"India will be eternally grateful to Shri Manohar Parrikar for his tenure as our Defence Minister. When he was RM, India witnessed a series of decisions that enhanced India’s security capacities, boosted indigenous defence production and bettered the lives of ex-servicemen," the PM said in another tweet.
Union minister V K Singh condoled Parrikar's demise saying he has left a void in everyone's lives. "Sad demise of @manoharparrikar ji leaves a void in our lives. He was a leader who came up with pragmatic solutions to the most complex problems-Goa & India have lost a stalwart today. The nation & I mourn your loss, & will miss you. Rest In Peace my dear friend," he said on Twitter.
Opposition Congress expressed condolences at Parrikar's demise. "We condole the passing of former Union Minister & Chief Minister @manoharparrikar. We hope that his family finds strength in their moment of grief," the Congress tweeted on its official Twitter account.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted that he was deeply saddened with Parrikar's demise. "I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Goa CM, Shri Manohar Parrikar Ji, who bravely battled a debilitating illness for over a year. Respected and admired across party lines, he was one of Goa’s favourite sons. My condolences to his family in this time of grief," he said.
BJP national president Amit Shah described Parrikar's demise as being extremely painful. "Manohar Parrikar ji’s demise is extremely painful. In him, the nation has lost a true patriot who selflessely dedicated his entire life to the country and ideology. Parrikar ji’s commitment towards his people and duties was exemplary," he tweeted.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi tweeted, "My condolences to the bereaved family of Shri. Manohar Parrikar. I met him only once, when he graciously visited my mother at the hospital two years ago. May his soul rest in peace."
The first Bharatiya Janata Party leader to be Goa Chief Minister, Parrikar headed the state from 2000-05 and 2012-14, before joining the Narendra Modi government as Defence Minister from 2014.
The country's first Indian Institute of Technology alumnus to serve as Chief Minister of a state, he assumed the mantle on four occasions from 2000, but could not complete a single full term in office.
He returned to state politics in 2017 to lead a coalition government headed by the BJP and continued in office despite his protracted illness and amid criticism from the Opposition and civil society, which had repeatedly demanded his resignation on health grounds.
A widower, Parrikar is survived by his two sons, Utpal and Abhijat, their wives and a grandson.
Parrikar's last rites to be held on Monday evening
The mortal remains of Manohar Parrikar will be cremated here on Monday evening, an official statement said.
The mortal remains will be kept at the Bharatiya Janata Party state headquarters here, as well as at a state government-operated arts and culture centre all through the morning and afternoon, for public to pay their final respects, before being taken to the Sports Authority of Goa ground for cremation at 5 pm, according to the statement from the Chief Minister's Office.
The union home ministry has announced national mourning on Monday and a state funeral will be accorded to Parrikar.