New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister condoled the death of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, saying he was an unparalleled leader and a true patriot. BJP chief Amit Shah also expressed grief over the demise of Parrikar who was suffering from a pancreatic ailment.
Shah remembered him as a leader who dedicated his life to the country and ideology and 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”. The PM described Parrikar as an “unparalleled leader”, who was a “true patriot and exceptional administrator and admired by all”.
Terming him as a builder of modern Goa, Modi said his tenure as a defence minister saw enhancement of India’s security capacities. Kovind said Parrikar was an “epitome of integrity and dedication in public life”. Senior BJP leader and Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari said since his initial days in politics, Parrikar was his good friend.
“The great son of Mother India worked for the development of Goa till his last breath. I am speechless. He was a face of dignified politics. He truly ruled hearts of every party worker,” Gadkari said. NCP chief Sharad Pawar also expressed grief over his demise.
“We have lost an able and industrious administrator who made his mark with his simple demeanour and extraordinary intellect. My sincere condolences to his family members,” Pawar tweeted. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said she met him only once, when he visited her mother, Sonia Gandhi, at the hospital two years ago. “May his soul rest in peace,” she said.
