Political leaders condole the death of Manohar Parrikar

NEW DELHI: Political leaders, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and

President Ram Nath Kovind

, on Sunday condoled the death of Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar who passed away at the age of 63 after battling from a prolonged illness.


* Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

"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."




"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."



* Ram Nath Kovind, President of India
"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 tweeted.




* Rahul Gandhi, Congress president

"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."



* Nitin Gadkari, Union minister


* Manohar Lal Khattar, Haryana chief minister

"Deeply saddened by the passing away of Goa Chief Minister and Former Union Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar ji. His integrity, simplicity & constant dedication in public life will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti."

* Mamata Banerjee, chief minister West Bengal

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

* Shashi Tharoor, Congress

"Mourning the loss of Manohar Parrikar, a rare IIT graduate in politics who was widely admired for his simplicity & straightforwardness. Wishing his family strength & peace at this time of grief."

* Piyush Goyal, Union minister

"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."

* Mehbooba Mufti, PDP leader

"Saddened to hear about the passing away of Shri Manohar Parrikar. He was a true fighter who despite battling cancer, worked tirelessly for the welfare of his people with a sense of duty & dignity. Condolences to his loved ones & family."

* Omar Abdulla, National Conference

"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."

* Vijay Kumar Singh, minister of state for external affairs

"Sad demise of @manoharparrikar ji leaves a void in our lives. He was a leader who came up with pragmatic solutions to the most complex problems-Goa & India have lost a stalwart today. The nation & I mourn your loss, & will miss you. Rest In Peace my dear friend. ऊँ शान्ति शान्ति।"

* Sachin Pilot, Congress


* Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress

"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."

* Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi chief minister

"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."

* Jayant Chaudhary, Rashtriya Lok Dal

"A sad day for all of us. Goa CM, Manohar Parrikar was a honest man who was dedicated to serving his people."

* Ram Madhav, BJP's national general secretary

"Demise of a Doyen: Heartfelt condolences on the demise of an inspiring and dedicated leader Sh Manohar Parrikar. An irreparable loss to Goa, Party and the nation."


Parrikar, who was suffering from a pancreatic ailment, has been in and out of hospitals in Goa, Mumbai, Delhi and New York since February last year.

Last year, Parrikar had sought treatment for pancreatitis at a hospital in the US. In September 2018, he returned to India and was admitted in the AIIMS, Delhi for treatment. On October 27, 2018, the health minister of Goa, Vishwajit Rane, had confirmed that Parrikar has been suffering from pancreatic cancer.

Parrikar served as the chief minister of Goa from 2000 to 2005 and from 2012 to 2014. He also served as the defence minister in the BJP-led NDA government from 2014 to 2017.