Goa CM Manohar Parrikar passes away; President condoles death

Panaji/New Delhi, March 17

Goa Chief Minister and former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar passed away at his private residence near Panaji on Sunday evening. He was 63.

"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," President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted.

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

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn)

The condition of Parrikar, 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.

The police have laid a cordon around Parrikar's private residence at Dona Paula in Panaji.

Parrikar was exceptional administrator, admired by all: PM Modi

Describing Manohar Parrikar as an unparalleled leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “A true patriot and exceptional administrator, he was admired by all. His impeccable service to the nation will be remembered by generations.” 

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.

— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

“Deeply saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. 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,” PM Modi tweeted.

National mourning on Monday

The government has announced national mourning on Monday following Parrikar's death, officials said.

A Home Ministry spokesperson said the national flag will fly at half-mast in the national capital, the union territories and the state capitals.

A meeting of the Union Cabinet will be held on Monday at 10 am. State funeral will be accorded to Parrikar.National mourning on Monday.

The mortal remains of Parrikar will be cremated here on Monday evening, an official statement said.

The mortal remains will be kept at the Bharatiya Janata Party state headquarters at Panaji, as well as at a state government-operated arts and culture centre all through the morning and afternoon, for public to pay their final respects, before being taken to the Sports Authority of Goa ground for cremation at 5 p.m., according to the statement from the Chief Minister's Office.

Condoling the death of Parrikar, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "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," she tweeted.

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.

— Chowkidar Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman)

Parrikar was one of Goa's favourite sons: Rahul 

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, while condoling the death of Parrikar, described him as "one of Goa's favourite sons".

He said Parrikar was respected and admired across party lines and had bravely battled his illness for over a year.

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)

"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(sic)," Gandhi said on Twitter.

The Congress on its official Twitter handle also said, “We condole the passing of former Union Minister & Chief Minister @manoharparrikar. We hope that his family finds strength in their moment of grief.” 

Nation has lost a true patriot: Amit Shah 

In the death of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar the nation has lost a true patriot, BJP president Amit Shah said, remembering him as a leader who dedicated his life to the country and ideology.

Manohar Parrikar ji’s demise is extremely painful. In him, the nation has lost a true patriot who selflessely dedicated his entire life to the country and ideology. Parrikar ji’s commitment towards his people and duties was exemplary.

— Chowkidar Amit Shah (@AmitShah)

Shah said Parrikar has shown how a BJP worker "even during his toughest time, is committed to the philosophy of Nation First, Party Next and Self Last".

Shah said, "Manohar Parrikar ji's demise is extremely painful. In him, the nation has lost a true patriot who selflessly dedicated his entire life to the country and ideology. Parrikar ji's commitment towards his people and duties was exemplary. He will always be remembered for his contributions as India's defence minister and as CM of Goa." — TNS/Agencies