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Manohar Parrikar Dies: PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi among top leaders across party lines pay tributes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Said Parrikar Was An Unparalleled Leader.

News Nation Bureau New Delhi Updated on: 18 Mar 2019, 10:39 AM

Leaders across party lines have paid their tributes to Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar who passed away at his private residence near Panaji on Sunday. He was 63. The BJP stalwart's health, which has been fluctuating for a year, took a turn for the worse in the past two days. President Ram Nath Kovind said he was an "epitome of integrity and dedication in public life".

 "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," the president posted on his official Twitter handle.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said 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." 

BJP national president Amit Shah described Parrikar as a “true patriot”.

“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,” he Shah tweeted.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi condoled the demise of Parrikar and described him as "one of Goa's favourite sons".

"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.”

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said: “He (Goa CM Manohar Parrikar) was a good human being. His passing away has left a huge gap in politics; we have lost a good politician. His demise has caused us immense grief. I express my grief and I pay my tributes on behalf of my party and myself.”

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said: "Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Manohar Parrikar ji, Chief Minister of Goa. My heartfelt condolences to his family members..May his soul rest in peace.”

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, “Sad to learn about the passing away of Shri Manohar Parrikar, CM of Goa. He was a cordial man, who was admired across party lines. My deepest condolences to his family and friends."

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said:  “BJP has faced a huge loss with the demise of #ManoharParrikar Ji... Apart from being a party member, he was a really close friend of mine. He isn't with me today & I'm personally very pained by this. I am immediately leaving for Goa.”

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy said: “The nation has lost a true Bharat Ratna today in the demise of Manohar Parrikar. I first knew him when he was a IIT Powai student who served as my booth agent when I won twice in that constituency in 1977 and 1980. He remained my friend through thick and thin.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said: “Terribly pained and saddened....With the sudden demise of Goa CM #ManoharParrikar ji, we have lost a humble, simple, trusted, valued and hardworking leader of India. His dedication towards his work was beyond imagination.”

Other leaders who paid tributes to Manohar Parrikar:

Parrikar is survived by two sons and their families. "Chief Minister passed away around 6.40 pm Sunday," a senior state government official told news agency PTI. Sources said former defence minister Parrikar had been on life support system since late Saturday night. Parrikar had been unwell since February 2018 when he was diagnosed with a pancreatic ailment.

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First Published : 17 Mar 2019, 21:19 PM

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