The ranks and file of the ruling government and the Opposition expressed condolences on the death of Goa Chief Minister and former Defence Minister of India Manohar Parrikar on Sunday, 17 March.
63-year-old Parrikar passed away on Sunday after battling pancreatic ailment for a year.
In a series of tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a true patriot and exceptional administrator who 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,” he said.
Expressing sorrow over his demise, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that he is saddened by the news on Parrikar 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,” he added.
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Remembering the leader, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “My condolences to the bereaved family of Shri. Manohar Parrikar. I met him only once, when he graciously visited my mother at the hospital two years ago.”
In a tweet, President Ram Nath Kovind said, “Extremely sorry to hear of the passing of 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.”
Extremely Painful News: Amit Shah Expresses Condolences
BJP President Amit Shah took to Twitter to condole Manohar Parrikar’s demise.
“Manohar Parrikar is no more with us, it's not only a loss for BJP but also for the society. From modernisation of the forces to the first surgical strikes under PM Modi's leadership, he gave a good account of his administrative qualities,” Shah said, as per ANI.
He also tweeted his condolences:
A Leader, A Mentor, A Friend: Smriti Irani Condoles Parrikar's Death
Union Minister Smriti Irani expressed grief over his demise and said that Parrikar was an idol for many.
“He taught me dignity in the face of adversity, loyalty in tough times & perseverance so that determined goals are met,” said Irani.
Condoling the death of her predecessor, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described Parrikar a “sincere, honest and sensitive political activist” who “was simple and down to earth.”
Pained by the Demise of My Dear Friend: Rajnath Singh
Condoling the demise of his dear friend, Home Minister Rajnath Singh remembered Parrikar for his “honesty, integrity and simplicity.”
“He (Parrikar) served the nation and the state of Goa with great diligence. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family,” Rajnath said.
Union Minister Arun Jaitley also took to Twitter to express his condolences.
‘We Have Lost a Good Politician’: Mallikarjun Kharge
Speaking to news agency ANI, leader of Opposition and Congress veteran, Mallikarjun Kharge described Parrikar as “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,” he said.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that Parrikar was his close friend and the BJP has suffered a huge loss with his death.
“BJP has faced a huge loss with the demise of Manohar Parrikar Ji. Apart from being a party member, he was a really close friend of mine. He isn't with me today and I'm personally very pained by this. I am immediately leaving for Goa,” he said.
While Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said that Parrikar “fought cancer like a brave soldier and India lost an ideal leader”.
WB, Karnataka, Assam CMs Condole Counterpart Parrikar’s Demise
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also condoled the death of her Goa counterpart Parrikar.
“Saddened at the passing away of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. He patiently endured his illness. Condolences to his family and his admirers,” Banerjee said in a tweet.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said: "Extremely saddened to hear the passing away of the Chief Minister of Goa Manohar Parrikar. He was respected by all across political lines. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones."
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that he was saddened to learn about the death of Parrikar.
"A people's leader respected for his humility & immense love for the nation, his passing away has left a huge void in India's public life. My sincere condolences," he wrote on Twitter.
‘His Life Was Karma Yagya in Service of People’
In his condolence, Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao said, "Shri Manohar Parrikar was one of the most brilliant, cultured and visionary leaders in the contemporary politics of India.”
"As leader of the Opposition in the Goa Legislative Assembly, as Chief Minister of Goa and as Defence Minister of India, he discharged his duty with utmost dedication, sincerity and commitment," Rao said, as per PTI.
"Parrikar had a vision of development and a strong urge for the welfare of the people. A suave leader, Parrikar had friends cutting across the political lines. Parrikar served the people of his state till his last breath. His life was a Karma Yagya in the service of the people. In his demise, the nation has lost a luminous star in public life," the Maharashtra governor said.
‘True Son of the Soil Has Left Us’
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described Parrikar as a highly-qualified leader of the masses who left his stamp in politics.
"It is shocking news for us. Highly qualified, leader of masses and true son of the soil has left us. As Goa CM, leader of opposition in Goa and as Defence minister, he left his stamp on every post he held," Fadnavis said, as per PTI.
“When Goa was going through political turmoil, the solution came in the form of Parrikar. He offered a stable government and took the state forward,” he added.
While Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said: "The country has lost its great son in the form of Parrikar. He was an embodiment of simplicity, though he served as chief minister of Goa multiple times as well as defence minister."
"He served the country in its critical times. When the Uri terror attack took place during his tenure, he led the surgical strike. He was not only a hope to the BJP but also to the country," Thackeray said, as per PTI.
The Centre, meanwhile, has announced national mourning on 18 March, following Parrikar’s demise. A state funeral will be accorded to him.
The National Flag will fly at half-mast in the national capital and capitals of states and Union territories.
(With inputs from ANI, PTI and IANS)
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