New Delhi, Oct 15 (UNI) Goa’s Agriculture Minister and senior BJP leader Ravi Naik passed away today, following a cardiac arrest. He was 79.
According to family sources, Naik suffered a cardiac arrest early morning today at his residence in Ponda, located about 30 km from the state capital, Panaji. He was rushed to a private hospital in Ponda, where he was declared brought dead around 1 am.
His mortal remains were brought to his home at Khadpabandh in Ponda, where a large number of supporters and locals gathered to pay their last respects. His final rites were scheduled to take place at 3 pm today.
Naik is survived by his wife, two sons, daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant paid tributes to the veteran leader, lauding his decades of public service and his significant contributions to Goa.
Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, “Saddened by the passing away of Shri Ravi Naik Ji, Minister in the Goa Government. He will be remembered as an experienced administrator and dedicated public servant who enriched Goa’s development trajectory. He was particularly passionate about empowering the downtrodden and marginalised. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also expressed deep sorrow over Naik’s demise and declared a three-day state mourning.
“Deeply saddened by the demise of our senior leader and Cabinet Minister Shri Ravi Naik Ji. A stalwart of Goan politics, his decades of dedicated service as Chief Minister, and Minister across key portfolios have left an indelible mark on the state’s Governance and people. His leadership, humility and contribution to public welfare will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and supporters in this moment of grief. Om Shanti,” Sawant posted on X.
Ravi Naik began his political career as a councillor in the Ponda municipal council and was first elected as an MLA in 1984 from the Ponda constituency on a Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) ticket.
A prominent leader of the Bhandari community, Naik was known for championing the rights of kuls and mundkars. He also became the first MLA to propose the creation of a third district in Goa.
Over his decades-long career, Naik was elected to the assembly seven times and briefly served as a Member of Parliament from North Goa between 1998 and 1999. In 2000, Naik quit the Congress and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), serving as the deputy chief minister in the Manohar Parrikar-led government.He held several important ministerial portfolios, most recently serving as Goa’s Minister for Agriculture.
Naik held the office of Chief Minister of Goa twice, beginning in 1991. His combined tenure lasted approximately 28 months. As Chief Minister, he was noted for his firm stance against rising anti-social activities in the state.
