Goa Chief Minister and Former Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar, 63, on Sunday, died at his son’s residence in Panaji, Goa.
He had been battling with ‘pancreatic cancer’ from over a year.
President, Ram Nath Kovind expressed his grief via a tweet. The President cited that the service of Manohar Parrikar to the people of Goa and India can not be forgotten.
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
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi also expressed his condolence to the family and supporters of Manohar Parrikar. Modi cited the Former Defence Minister as an unparalleled leader, a true leader and and 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. pic.twitter.com/uahXme3ifp
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2019
Union Minister, Nitin Gadkari, also reached the BJP Office in Panaji to pay tribute to the mortal remains of Manohar Parrikar.
Goa: Mortal remains of Goa CM #ManoharParrikar brought to BJP office in Panaji. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari arrives to pay last respects to him. pic.twitter.com/nvg5j1Of4c
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2019
Manohar Parrikar’s body will be kept at the BJP Office in Panjim and at the Kala Academy fro people to pay their respects to the mortal remains of the Goa CM.
#ManoharParrikar's mortal remains will be kept at BJP head office, Panjim from 9.30 am to 10.30 am. Then the mortal remains will be taken to Kala Academy for the public to pay their last respect. Public can pay homage to late Chief Minister from 11 am to 4 pm.
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) March 17, 2019
He is likely to be cremated this evening.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh are scheduled to go to Goa to pay their respects to Mr Parrikar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to leave for #Goa shortly, to offer last respects to Goa CM #ManoharParrikar who passed away yesterday. pic.twitter.com/adrMxbKmJV
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2019
The Central Government has announced a day’s national mourning today, during which all schools and colleges in Goa are scheduled to be shut.
The state of Goa is likely to observe a mourning period of 7 days to grieve the loss of late Chief Minister.
Goa to observe 7 days state mourning to grieve the loss of late Chief Minister #ManoharParrikar. pic.twitter.com/zYd7XwGfmG
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) March 17, 2019
Last month, Manohar Parrikar was admitted in the Goa Medical College and Hospital near Panaji.
The Former Defence Minister had been in and out of hospitals in Goa, Mumbai, Delhi and New York since February last year.
In January, the 4 times CM of Goa said that he would serve Goa till his last breath. Manohar Parrikar was also seen attending an Assembly session with medical equipment attached to his body, to present the budget.
Meanwhile, the BJP summoned a meeting on Sunday to find his successor, news agency PTI reported.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari reached the state late night to hold talks with allies too.
BJP legislator and the Deputy Speaker of the state assembly, Michael Lobo said Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) lawmaker Sudin Dhavalikar wanted to be the CM of Goa, following which the discussions came to a pause.
Congress President, Rahul Gandhi also took to twitter to express his condolence on the demise of Goa CM, Manohar Parrikar. He cited the former Defence Minister as a man who was respected and admired across party lines.
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.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 17, 2019