Day of National Mourning: India grieves Goa CM Manohar Parrikar's demise

Four-time Goa Chief Minister and former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar (63) died at his private residence on Sunday after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer for over a year. As news of Mr. Parrikar’s death broke President Ram NathKovind offered his condolences and paid tributes. Mr. Parrikar resigned as Chief Minister and served as Defence Minister from 2014-17 on the invitation of Prime Minister NarendraModi. He returned to State politics to lead a coalition government of disparate parties and independents headed by the BJP, as Chief Minister in 2017, after Goa had a hung house and the BJP had lost power. He continued in office despite his illness, mostly operating from his private residence and some times making brief public appearances. AAP Goa Convenor Elvis Gomes said the State has lost a politician who changed the political discourse of the country. Congress president Rahul Gandhi described him as “one of Goa’s favourite sons.” The Goa government has declared a one-day holiday on Monday and seven-day mourning for Mr. Parrikar.