As soon as the news of the passing away of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar broke, tributes started pouring in from all quarters.
Cutting across party lines and political leanings, prominent leaders offered their condolences to the family of the late chief minister who passed away in Panaji on Sunday evening after a long battle with advanced pancreatic cancer that was diagnosed in February 2018.
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It is worth mentioning that in spite of his failing health and deteriorating condition, Parrikar did not stop discharging his duties and continued to work from the states assembly.
The last tweet from his official Twitter handle, dated March 12, reads: “Tributes to Goa’s first Chief Minister Dayanand (Bhausaheb) Bandodkar on his birth anniversary. We remember his invaluable contribution in building a strong foundation for Goa’s progress.”
President Ram Nath Kovind expressed his grief over the passing away of Manohar Parrikar: “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,” he said in a tweet.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his tweet said: “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.”
Congress President Rahul Gandhi in his condolence message said: “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.”
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman lauded Manohar Parrikar’s contribution to the defence sector of India: “Shri Manohar Parrikar is no more. A sincere, honest & sensitive political activist. Was simple and down to earth, I learnt a lot from Shri.Parrikar. As Raksha Mantri his contribution to making the armed forces a modernised, lean & mean fighting machine will remain unparalleled.”
Former President Pranab Mukherjee tweeted, “Deeply saddened at the passing away of Shri Manohar Parrikar. He fought bravely against his disease and I always hoped that he will beat it. Despite his deteriorating health, he put nation first and worked for it till his last breath. May he rest in peace. My prayers are with his family.”
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said: “Saddened to know about the demise of senior BJP leader Shri Manohar Parrikar ji, Chief Minister of Goa. He always led by example in his public life & was loved by masses. He will be missed by everyone of us. May God render peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti ॐ शान्ति”
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi said: “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.”
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said: “Deepest condolences over the untimely death of former Defence Minister and Chief Minister of Goa Shri Manohar Parrikar. May his soul rest in peace. May God give strength and support to the bereaved family at this saddest hour.”
National Conference leader and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah tweeted: “My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends & colleagues of #ManoharParrikar Sahib. His untimely demise has left a void that will be difficult to fill. May his soul rest in peace.”
Congress General Secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia tweeted: “गोवा के मुख्यमंत्री श्री मनोहर पर्रिकर जी के निधन की खबर अत्यंत दुखदायी है। ईश्वर उनकी आत्मा को शांति तथा उनके परिजनों को इस भारी दुःख को सहन करने की शक्ति दे। श्री पर्रिकर जी को मेरी विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि।RIP #ManoharParrikar.”
TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted: “Saddened at the passing away of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar ji. He patiently endured his illness. Condolences to his family and his admirers”
DMK’s MK Stalin said: “Extremely saddened to hear about the demise of Chief Minister of Goa, Thiru Manohar Parrikar. On behalf of DMK, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and fellow party persons.”
Aam Aadmi Party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said: “Extremely saddened at the news of passing away of Goa CM Sh Manohar Parrikar ji. A symbol of simplicity in politics who led a humble life is no longer with us. May his family bear the irreparable loss with courage. Prayers with them”
Manohar Parrikar was born on December 13, 1955, in Goa’s Mapusa. He married Medha Parrikar who, in 2001, died of cancer.
He was the 10th chief minister of Goa from March 14, 2017, to March 17, 2019.