With the demise of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, not just the coastal State, but the whole of India has lost a leader for whom country came first always. Parrikar set an example for fellow politicians, both in his life and death. The way he waged a brave war with his ailment and his serving the nation almost till his last breath are among the rare qualities one can expect from politicos of these days. The whole country, cutting across party lines, is mourning his death, showing how he won hearts with his deeds.
‘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,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. ‘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,’ he added. Rahul Gandhi said he was ‘deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Goa CM… who bravely battled a debilitating illness for over a year.’ ‘Respected and admired across party lines, he was one of Goa’s favourite sons,’ the Congress president added. From Tamilnadu, DMK president and Leader of the Opposition M K Stalin said, ‘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.’
Parrikar was a leader who enjoyed acceptance from all sections of the BJP and beyond. He played a key role in making the Bharatiya Janata Party a force to reckon with in Goa, which remained for long a Congress bastion, with regional outfits having pockets of influence. Despite his failing health, Parrikar had presented two State budgets in 2018 and 2019 and had attended public functions, including the inauguration of an iconic bridge across River Mandovi. Parrikar, who was an Indian Institute of Technology graduate, made a mark as chief minister of Goa when the politics in the State was hit by defections and unstable governments. He became the Goa CM for the first time in October 2000 after a split in the ruling Congress. Parrikar projected himself as a leader who reached out to people across religious boundaries, attempting to woo the State’s 26 per cent Catholic community. In his each and every action, he had proved that he is the real ‘Chowkidar’.