Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar passes away: Live updates

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar passes away: Live updates

"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 of India Ram Nath Kovind tweets.

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar passes away: Live updates

Goa Chief Minister Manohar had passes away at the age of 63 on Sunday. Parrikar, who was diagnosed with a "life-threatening disease" pancreatic ailment last year, was discharged from the Goa Medical College and Hospital near Panaji on February 26 last month. He had undergone treatment in hospitals of the US and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi.The former Defence Minister's health took a turn for the worse in the past two days. Several BJP leaders and allies in the ruling government in the state had met him on Saturday.

8:32pm: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed her condolence to the family of Manohar Parrikar.

8:30pm: Akhilesh Yadav condoled the demise of Goa CM Manohar Parrikar.

8:27pm:

8:25pm: Congress Chief Minister Rahul Gandhi expressed his condolences to his family in this time of grief.

8:22pm: Condolence meet to be held in the Union Cabinet at 11 am on Monday for Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.

8:20pm:

8:15pm: President of India Ram Nath Kovind tweeted, "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."

7:00pm: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is "extremely critical", his office has tweeted. "Chief Minister @manoharparrikar's health condition is extremely critical. Doctors are trying their best," the tweet read.

Earlier today, core committee leader of the BJP Goa unit Dayanand Mandrekar had said that Parrikar's health is continually deteriorating and the party may soon appoint his successor, according to a ANI report.

Parrikar, who was diagnosed with a "life-threatening disease" pancreatic ailment last year, was discharged from the Goa Medical College and Hospital near Panaji on February 26 last month. He had undergone treatment in hospitals of the US and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi.

As Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's health condition worsens, hectic political activity has taken centre stage in the BJP-ruled coastal state. Considering Parrikar's health, the BJP, has reportedly started finding a new face for the CM's post.

On Saturday, the Congress staked claim to form the government in the state, the BJP's ally, Goa Forward Party (GPF), is trying to mount pressure, saying it will rethink about its support in case of "any eventuality".

Goa BJP's core committee members had met on Saturday to discuss the overall political situation arising out of the deteriorating health of the former defence minister, who is suffering from a pancreatic ailment. The BJP state leadership, led by Goa chief and Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar, reportedly discussed the political situation after the GFP's indirect remarks on the alliance. They also discussed the party's preparations for the Lok Sabha elections 2019.

The strength of Goa Assembly has reduced from 40 to 37 after the death of D'Souza and resignation of two MLAs -- Subhash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte. Now the Congress is left with 14 legislators, while BJP with 13. The BJP also has the support of three MLAs of GFP and MGP and two MLAs, including one from NCP and an independent.

Edited by Chitranjan Kumar