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Goa CM Manohar Parrikar dies after a battle with cancer

Parrikar, 63, was suffering from a serious pancreatic ailment and was at his private residence at Dona Paula

Goa Chief Minister has died after a long battle with cancer on March 17. The President of India Ram Nath Kovind in a tweet informed of his demise.

President Ram Nath Kovind said, "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."

Earlier his office had said that his health condition was extremely critical. Parrikar, 63, was suffering from a serious pancreatic ailment and was at his private residence at Dona Paula.

The former Defence Minister’s health, which had been fluctuating for a year, took a turn for the worse in the past two days. PTI sources said he had been on life support system since late Saturday night.

Goa-born Parrikar completed his secondary education in Marathi and went on to graduate in metallurgical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay) in 1978. He is the first IIT alumnus to serve as MLA of an Indian state.

Parrikar served the state three times as chief minister and had a three-year-long stint as Defence Minister in the Narendra Modi-led cabinet. Because of his simple lifestyle, he was called the common man’s CM.

The tributes have poured in from all corners. "Manohar Parrikar leaves behind many admirers, many who looked upon him as an idol. My condolences to his loved ones, colleagues & supporters," said Union Minister Smriti Irani.

His successor at the Defence Ministry, Nirmala Sitharaman said, "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."

"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," said Congress President Rahul Gandhi.