Manohar Parrikar death HIGHLIGHTS: Condolences pour in from across political spectrum

Leaders across parties expressed grief over the demise of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar who, they said, was a dedicated public figure and one who built modern Goa and was loved by Goans.  

President Ram Nath Kovind’s condolence message, which was the first official confirmation about his death, described Parrikar as the “epitome of integrity and dedication in public life” while Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “an unparalleled leader, a true patriot and exceptional administrator”. READ MORE HERE

The Goa Church has condoled the demise of Manohar Parrikar, claiming that the chief minister sometimes sought its opinion before taking "far-reaching decisions for the benefit of the state". 

"He would sometimes seek their opinion before coming out with far-reaching decisions for the benefit of the state," Archbishop of Goa and Daman Fr Filipe Neri Ferrao said in a condolence message.

Goa has lost one of the greatest leaders of the soil. This loss is certainly irreversible and incalculable. Though I had political differences with him, I respected him as an individual as well as a leader of great abilities.I consider myself lucky to have witnessed the entire political career of our beloved ' Bhai ' who rose from a middle class family background to the height of the Defense Minister of India and I respect him a lot for his achievements. He made all of us proud.He proved himself as a true fighter who fought against the dangerous illness of cancer while continuing with the regular service of the state. He will be remembered for all his good deeds and memories he left behind for all of us to get inspiration. May our Lord bless and comfort him and his family during this time of grief. May his departed soul gets eternal peace.

Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar, leader of Opposition.

"Manohar Parrikar ji is no more with us, it's not only a loss for BJP but also for the society. From modernization of the forces to the first surgical strikes under PM Modi's leadership, he gave a good account of his administrative qualities," BJP president Amit Shah was quoted as saying by ANI. 

The Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay paid tributes to Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, an alumnus of the institute. Remembering the late leader, the institute said, "Goa Chief Minister Mr. Manohar Parrikar's demise comes as a shock to all of us at IIT Bombay. He was the Institute's Distinguished Alumnus and keenly involved with many initiatives at IIT Bombay. He was also deeply involved with the launch of IIT Goa. He was the Chief Guest for the 55th Convocation of IIT Bombay held on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 10.00 am at the Institute’s Convocation Hall. The Institute condoles his demise.  The Institute had felicitated its Distinguished Alumnus Mr. Manohar Parrikar, former Minister of Defence, Government of India, who graduated in Metallurgical Engineering from the Institute in 1978, “In recognition of his contribution to the Development of the Country,” on the Alumni Day in 2014."

Parrikar was first IIT grad to be an MLA in India.

Extremely saddened at the news of passing away of Goa CM Sh Manohar Parrikar ji. A symbol of simplicity in politics who led a humble life is no longer with us. May his family bear the irreparable loss with courage. Prayers with them

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 17, 2019

Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi said Parrikar's dedication and simplicity won many hearts and he also contributed immensely towards the development of the nation. Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar also expressed grief over the demise of Parrikar. "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.

My heartfelt condolences on the demise of Shri Manohar Parrikar Ji. A remarkable person who impressed everyone with his simplicity & dedication towards his duties. Generations will remember him & will be inspired by him as he choose the path of integrity & utmost dedication ?????? pic.twitter.com/xVr72aOPnE

— Chowkidar Meenakashi Lekhi (@M_Lekhi) March 17, 2019

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said Manohar Parrikar was a true fighter who worked tirelessly for the welfare of his people with a sense of duty and dignity. Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik described him as a widely respected public figure and an able administrator.

He was a true son of Goa and served India in many roles and responsibilities !
No doubt Shri Manohar Parrikar will be remembered as one of best Defence Ministers of India.
My deepest condolences to his family, friends and people of Goa & India.
Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/WXJ1DQc7oT

— Chowkidar Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) March 17, 2019

I got many opportunities to work and interact with him.
Right from the programs when he was the Raksha Mantri to my recent visit to Hindustan Waste Treatment Pvt Limited plant at Saligao in Goa. His commitment and vision always kept inspiring me!
Now, only memories are left! pic.twitter.com/86FOSKq2wC

— Chowkidar Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) March 17, 2019

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. pic.twitter.com/I6a2AQ4a87

— Chowkidar Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) March 17, 2019

"Extremely saddened at the passing away of a dear friend and colleague, Shri Manohar Parrikar. A wonderful human being, his dedication towards his duty and passion for the welfare of his people will always remain an inspiration for all of us," Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tweeted.

He will be deeply missed. Pray to the Almighty to give strength to his near and dear ones in this hour of grief. ? ??????

— Chowkidar Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) March 17, 2019

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also condoled the demise of the Goa CM. "Deeply saddened by the news of the passing away of former Defence Minister of India & Chief Minister, Goa Manohar Parrikar. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and followers. May his soul rest in peace," Patnaik wrote on Twitter.

Former Union minister Yashwant Sinha said, “Parrikar was one of the finest human beings I met in politics. He lent dignity to every post he occupied. My heartfelt condolences. May his soul rest in peace.”

Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister of Goa and former Defence Minister. The nation will remember him as a loved public figure. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace!

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) March 17, 2019

Party ideologies apart a good and gentle man will always be it. Not even cancer can kill a spirit like @manoharparrikar . Have had the honour of breaking bread with him. As will the Nation, I too will remember him.

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) March 17, 2019

My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends & colleagues of #ManoharParrikar Sahib. His untimely demise has left a void that will be difficult to fill. May his soul rest in peace.

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) March 17, 2019

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu tweeted, “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.”

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

???? ?? ??????????? ???? ????? ??????? ?? ?? ???? ?? ??? ?????? ??????? ??? ????? ???? ????? ?? ????? ??? ???? ??????? ?? ?? ???? ???? ?? ??? ???? ?? ????? ??? ???? ??????? ?? ?? ???? ?????? ????????????
RIP #ManoharParrikar

— Jyotiraditya Scindia (@JM_Scindia) March 17, 2019

Saddened at the passing away of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar ji. He patiently endured his illness. Condolences to his family and his admirers

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 17, 2019

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, “BJP has faced a huge loss with the demise of Manohar Parrikar. Besides being a party member, he was a close friend of mine. He isn't with me today and I am personally very pained by this. I am leaving for Goa immediately.”

“Deeply saddened and pained by the demise of my dear friend and 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,” Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted.

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

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

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his tribute to the former defence minister. He tweeted, "Shri Manohar 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."

Shri Manohar 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. pic.twitter.com/uahXme3ifp

— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2019

Saddened to know about the demise of senior BJP leader Shri Manohar Parrikar ji, Chief Minister of Goa. He always led by example in his public life & was loved by masses. He will be missed by everyone of us. May God render peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti ? ??????

— Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) March 17, 2019

Extremely saddened to know about the sad demise of our beloved and stalwart leader Shri Manohar Parrikar Ji. His exemplary leadership will continue to inspire us and serve as a benchmark.

— Chowkidar Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) March 17, 2019

DMK chief M K Stalin tweeted, “Extremely saddened to hear about the demise of Chief Minister of Goa, Thiru Manohar Parrikar. On behalf of DMK, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and fellow party persons.”

Extremely saddened to hear about the demise of Chief Minister of Goa, Thiru Manohar Parrikar.

On behalf of DMK, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and fellow party persons.

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) March 17, 2019

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge told news agency ANI, “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.”

Former President Pranab Mukherjee tweeted, “Deeply saddened at the passing away of Shri Manohar Parrikar. He fought bravely against his disease and I always hoped that he will beat it. Despite his deteriorating health, he put nation first and worked for it till his last breath. May he rest in peace. My prayers are with his family.”

Deeply saddened at the passing away of Shri Manohar Parrikar.He fought bravely against his disease & I always hoped that he will beat it.Despite his deteriorating health,he put Nation first & worked for it till his last breath. May he rest in peace. My prayers are with his family

— Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) March 17, 2019

“A people's leader respected for his humility and immense love for the nation, his passing away has left a huge void in India's public life. My sincere condolences,” Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.

Saddened to learn about the demise of former Defence Minister and Goa CM #ManoharParrikar ji.

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.
? ????? pic.twitter.com/KnNJSSfHub

— Chowkidar Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) March 17, 2019

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb also expressed his condolences over the demise of the Goa CM. “Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Shri Manohar Parrikar ji. His service to the people of Goa and for our beloved motherland will never be forgotten. May God impart strength to the bereaved family to withstand this tragic loss. Om Shanti,” he tweeted.

Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Shri Manohar Parrikar ji. His service to the people of Goa and for our beloved motherland will never be forgotten. May God impart strength to the bereaved family to withstand this tragic loss. Om Shanti.

— Chowkidar Biplab Kumar Deb (@BjpBiplab) March 17, 2019

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

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.

— Chowkidar Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 17, 2019

A leader, a mentor, a friend- Parrikar Sir meant all that & more to my family. But then every Goan can say the same for that was the persona of Manohar Parrikar. He taught me dignity in the face of adversity, loyalty in tough times & perseverance so that determined goals are met.

— Chowkidar Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 17, 2019

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. May his soul rest in peace.

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) March 17, 2019

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.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 17, 2019

Putting an end to speculations, President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday announced that Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar passed away after a prolonged illness. Taking to Twitter, he 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."

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