A four-time Chief Minister of Goa, Parrikar had been in and out of the hospitals since February last year.
Condolences poured in on Twitter, after President Ram Nath Kovind announced the unfortunate demise of Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar. Sixty-three-year-old Parrikar, who was battling a pancreatic ailment since last year, breathed his last on Sunday at his residence.
Kovind wrote Twitter, "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".
Read: Manohar Parrikar, four-time chief minister was BJP's crisis man in Goa
A four-time Chief Minister of Goa, Parrikar had been in and out of the hospitals since February last year. It was in October that the state government made a formal announcement about the BJP leader suffering from a pancreatic ailment. He had undergone treatment in the United States as well as Delhi.
Parrikar took charge as the Chief Minister on March 14, 2017, and held the office till his end. He had previously served as the Chief Minister of the state from 2000 to 2002, 2002 to 2005 and from 2012 to 2014.
An engineer from IIT-Bombay, Parrikar led BJP in 2012 to victory and became the Chief Minister. He was made the Defence Minister in 2014 and was succeeded by Laxmikant Parsekar as the Chief Minister of Goa.
Considered close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Parrikar served as the Defence Ministerfrom May 2014 to March 2017.
Born in Mapusa in the coastal state of Goa, Parrikar studied at Loyola High School, Margao. In 1978 he graduated in metallurgical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology.
Parrikar was also one of those leaders who rose in ranks from RSS to BJP. Parrikar had joined RSS even during final years of his school days and later became the Sanghchalak at the age of 26.
Often referred to as the 'Chief Minister of the Common' by many, Parrikar was known for his simple style of living and for being easily approachable by the citizens of Goa.
Parrikar is survived by his two sons- Utpal, an Electrical Engineering graduate from Michigan State University, and Abhijat, a local businessman. His wife Medha passed away in 2000.
1. "Epitome of Integrity"
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 #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 17, 2019
2. "Always committed to the philosophy of Nation First"
Parrikar ji has shown 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.
— Chowkidar Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 17, 2019
He will always be remembered for his contributions as India’s Defence Minister and as CM of Goa. pic.twitter.com/jiKNGoOZrj
3. Parrikar was one of Goa's favourite sons: Rahul Gandhi
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.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 17, 2019
Respected and admired across party lines, he was one of Goa’s favourite sons.
My condolences to his family in this time of grief.
4. Learnt a lot from him: Nirmala Sitharaman
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) March 17, 2019
5. "Sad demise of Manohar Parrikar leaves a void in our lives"
Sad demise of @manoharparrikar ji leaves a void in our lives. He was a leader who came up with pragmatic solutions to the most complex problems-Goa & India have lost a stalwart today. The nation & I mourn your loss, & will miss you. Rest In Peace my dear friend. ऊँ शान्ति शान्ति। pic.twitter.com/fS8MvL8dW4
— Vijay Kumar Singh (@Gen_VKSingh) March 17, 2019
6. India will be eternally grateful to Manohar Parrikar, tweets PM Narendra Modi
Shri Manohar Parrikar was an unparalleled leader.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2019
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. pic.twitter.com/uahXme3ifp
Shri Manohar Parrikar was the builder of modern Goa. Thanks to his affable personality and accessible nature, he remained the preferred leader of the state for years. His pro-people policies ensured Goa scales remarkable heights of progress.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2019
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
7. Deeply saddened & pained by the demise of my dear friend: Rajnath Singh
Deeply saddened and pained by the demise of my dear friend & Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Manohar Parrikar. He was known for his honesty, integrity and simplicity. He served the nation and the state of Goa with great diligence. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.
— Chowkidar Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 17, 2019
8. "Support to the bereaved family at this saddest hour"
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.
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) March 17, 2019
9. Nitin Gadkari expresses his grief
नि:शब्द हूं। सुशील और सादगीपूर्ण राजनीति का चेहरा आज खो गया। मनोहर भाई सही मायने में हर कार्यकर्ता के हृदय पर राज करने वाले नेता थे।
— Chowkidar Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) March 17, 2019