Goa CM Manohar Parrikar passes away; President condoles death

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Manohar Parrikar. File Photo

Panaji, March 17: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s passed away at his residence on Sunday. “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,” President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted.

The police have laid a cordon around Parrikar’s private residence at Dona Paula in Panaji. According to sources, BJP legislative party may elect a new leader tonight.

Even as the Congress had staked claim to form government in Goa yesterday, smaller parties like Goa Forward, MGP and independents are still backing the BJP-led government.

A section of BJP leaders wants Shripad Naik as chief minister. A power tussle likely as MGP also wants the top post.

Parrikar was diagnosed for advanced pancreatic cancer in February last year and has been in and out of hospitals, in Goa, Mumbai, Delhi and New York since. IANS