Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who was in critical condition for more than a year, passed away on Sunday evening. He was 63. Parrikar is survived by two sons and their families.
The condition of the former defence minister, diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer in February last year and in and out of hospitals, in Goa, Mumbai, Delhi and New York since then, turned "extremely critical" on Sunday, the chief minister's office tweeted.
According to reports, Parrikar had been on life support system since late Saturday night.
Parrikar served the state four times as chief minister and had a three-year-long stint as defence minister in the Narendra Modi-led cabinet.
Born on December 13, 1955 into a middle class family, his political career began as an RSS pracharak and he continued working for the Sangh even after graduating from IIT-Bombay as a metallurgical engineer.
President Ram Nath Kovind mourned demise of Parrikar and said he was an epitome of integrity and dedication in public life.
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 #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 17, 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that the country would be grateful to Manohar Parrikar for his tenure as Defence Minister. Modi tweeted that Parrikar's tenure witnessed a series of decisions that enhanced India’s security capacities, boosted indigenous defence production and bettered the lives of ex-servicemen.
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.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2019
Parrikar entered electoral politics in 1994 when he won on a BJP ticket from Panaji constituency. He was leader of the Opposition from June to November 1999 and was known for his speeches against the then Congress-led government.
He became chief minister of Goa for the first time on October 24, 2000, but his tenure lasted only until February 27, 2002. On June 5, 2002, he was re-elected and served another term as chief minister.
National mourning on Monday
Centre announced national mourning on March 18, Monday following the demise of Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Manohar Parrikar. National Flag will fly at half-mast in the National Capital and capitals of States and UTs. State funeral shall be accorded to Shri Parrikar. A meeting of the Union Cabinet has been called at 10 am on Monday, March 18.
With inputs from agencies.
First Published: Mar 17, 2019 8:10 PM IST
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