Goa Chief Minister Manohar Gopalakrishna Prabhu Parrikar has passed away on Sunday in the midst of his fourth term in office. The 63-year-old widower, also former defence minister of India, Manohar Parrikar is survived by two sons and a grandchild. He died after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer for over a year.
Manohar Parrikar, the BJP leader of Goa, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February last year and has been in and out of hospital within the country and abroad. At the time of his death, he was taking treatment at home.
A senior state government official said, “The chief minister died around 6.40 pm on Sunday.” The Sources said Manohar Parrikar was put on life support system late Saturday night.
Several leaders, including India’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari and Rajnath Singh will be in Goa today on Monday to attend Manohar Parrikar’s last rites.
Narendra Modi tweeted, “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.”
President Ram Nath Kovind wrote on Twitter, “Extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Shri Manohar Parrikar, chief minister of Goa, after an illness borne with fortitude and dignity.”
Manohar Parrikar resigned as Chief Minister and served as Defence Minister from 2014-17 on the invitation of PM Narendra Modi. He returned to State politics to lead a coalition government of disparate parties and independents headed by the BJP (Bharitya Janatha Party), as Chief Minister in 2017, after Goa had a hung house and the BJP had lost power.
Manohar Parrikar was the first Indian Institute of Technology alumnus to serve as Chief Minister of Goa in 2000. He became Chief Minister for four terms, but, ironically, could not complete a single full term in office.