Manohar Parrikar, the chief minister who served Goa ‘till last breath’

Political leaders paid rich tributes to Manohar Parrikar who died Sunday evening after a year-long battle with cancer.

Politicians joined President Ram Nath Kovind to mourn the death of Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday.

Goa chief mMinister Manohar Parrikar during the presentation of the State Budget at Goa Legislative Assembly, in Panaji.(PTI File Photo)

“ Extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Shri Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister of Goa, after an illness borne with fortitude and dignity,” President Kovind wrote on Twitter.  

 

President Kovind’s predecessor Pranab Mukherjee praised Parrikar saying he worked for the nation till his last breath.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Parrikar was an unparalleled leader, a true patriot and exceptional administrator and was admired by all.

 

Union home minister Rajnath Singh said Parrikar was known for his honesty, integrity and simplicity.

 

BJP president Amit Shah said Parrikar “showed the entire nation how a BJP Karyakarta, even during his toughest time is committed to the philosophy of Nation First, Party Next and Self Last”

 

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said he was saddened by the news of Parrikar’s death after bravely battling a debilitating illness for over a year. His sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joined him in condoling Parrikar’s death.

 

 

National conference leader Omar Abdullah said Parrikar’s “untimely demise has left a void that will be difficult to fill.” PDP leader Mehbooba described the late Goa chief minister as a “true fighter who despite battling cancer, worked tirelessly for the welfare of his people with a sense of duty and dignity.”

 

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal also took to Twitter to mourn Parrikar’s death. “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,” he wrote.

The Aam Aadmi Party’s Goa Convenor Elvis Gomes said that with the passing away of Parrikar, Goa has lost a politician who had changed the political discourse from the time he ascended into power.

“Having closely seen him work, I can say that he showed the right intentions in the beginning though political pulls and pressures affected the direction of his governance. We parted ways on ideological differences, but still saw him as a buffer against the divisive designs of the party he belonged to. We pray that his soul rests in peace” Gomes said.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said she was saddened by Parrikar’s death.

Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy said Parrikar was respected by all across party lines.