Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has passed away at the age of 63 following a prolonged ailment.
Parrikar’s demise was announced by President Ram Nath Kovind via Twitter.
The Centre has announced national mourning on March 18 (tomorrow). Parrikar will be accorded a State funeral. The national flag will fly at half-mast in the National Capital and capitals of states and Union Territories.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has 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. Om Shanti.”
Describing Parrikar as the “builder of modern Goa”, PM Modi has said that “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.”
PM Modi has said that “India will be eternally grateful” to Parrikar for his tenure as the Defence Minister. “When he was RM (Raksha Mantri), India witnessed a series of decisions that enhanced India’s security capacities, boosted indigenous defence production and bettered the lives of ex-servicemen,” PM Modi said on Twitter.
Here’s what will happen on March 18:
> 9.30 am to 10.30 am: Mortal remains to be kept at the BJP head office in Panaji, Goa
> 10.30 am: Mortal remains to be taken to Kala Academy
> 10.30 am to 4.00 pm: Mortal remains to lie in state for public homage
> 4.00 pm: Funeral procession to begin for Miramar, Goa
> 5.00 pm: Last rites to be held at Miramar, Goa
Union Minister NitinGadkariis holding parleys with the stakeholders. He will announce the decision on the chief minister soon. The parties will go and meet the Governor soon.
The BJP has lost a statesman today. The BJP will take a long time to fill the void which has been created by ManoharParrikar'sdemise.
BJP chief AmitShah addresses the media on the appointment of the next Chief Minster of Goa.
–CNN News18
Thousands throng the streets of Panajifor the funeral procession of Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar.
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu attends the last rites of Goa Chief Minister ManoharParrikarat Miramarbeach in Panaji.
Funeral procession of Late Chief Minister of Goa Shri Manohar Parrikar. (Image: PIB)
BJP chief Amit Shah and veteran leader NitinGadkariat the last rites ceremony of ManoharParrikarbeing held at Panaji, Goa.
Thousands of peoplethrong streets to pay their respects during the last rites of late Goa chief minister ManoharParrikar. His cremation with full state honoursis being held at the Miramarbeach in Panaji, Goa.
