Goa's loved chief minister Manohar Parrikar passed away on Sunday, March 17, after battling cancer for years. His death at the age of 63 has left not just his family and party members grieving but has also drawn condolences from his staunch political opponents. Parrikar, four-term chief minister and former defence minister, had been battling a pancreatic ailment since February 2019.
Parrikar is credited with providing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a strong base in Goa one that saw political stability return to the state that had seen many a chief ministers play musical chairs.
As a mark of respect towards Parikkar, the government has declared Monday, March 18, as a national mourning day.
His last rites will be performed on Monday evening in Goa.
Watch the live coverage of Manohar Parrikar’s last rites on Aaj Tak:
Commitment to work
Despite his declining health, Parrikar had presented two state budgets in 2018 and 2019. He had also attended serval public functions and the inauguration of a bridge across River Mandovi.
Tributes pour in
The first leader to pay respects to Parrikar was President Ram Nath Kovind.
गोंयचे मुख्यमंत्री श्री मनोहर पर्रीकार हांच्या दुखेस्त मरणाची खबर आयकून वायट दिसलें. तांणी जाल्लें दुयेंस धैर्यान सोंसलें आनी ते सम्मानान जगलें. तांची सामाजीक जीण प्रामाणीकपणाची आनी समर्पीत वृत्तीची आशिल्ली. तांणी लोकांची केल्ली सेवा केन्नाच विसरूंक शकनात.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 17, 2019
Subsequently Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders too paid their respect.
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
Entire BJP stands firmly with Parrikar ji’s family. I along with millions of BJP karyakartas and importantly the people of Goa, who were his family, express my deepest condolences. May God give the bereaved family strength to withstand this tragic loss. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti. pic.twitter.com/HWFA4gtSnX
— Chowkidar Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 17, 2019
Congress president Rahul Gandhi also paid his condolences at the loss.
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
Parrikar: The professional
Another reason Parrikar stood out was his IIT educational background.
At a time when most skilled professionals would not choose the uncertainties and difficulties of politics as a career, Parrikar did exactly that. And shone in his choice, inspiring others to follow.
Known for his modern outlook and his passionate love for his state and country, Mr Parrikar was famed also for his rational views, his ethic of hard work — he served as CM throughout his severe illness — his reputation as an effective and highly professional administrator and his wit and candour.