Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar died on Sunday after battling pancreatic cancer for two years, aged 63. The BJP stalwart’s health, which had been fluctuating for a year, took a turn for the worse in the past two days.

President Ram Nath Kovind confirmed the news with a tweet:

Condolences started pouring in soon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Parrikar an “unparalleled leader” and the “builder of modern Goa”.

Union finance minister Arun Jaitley said Parrikar always led by example in his public life.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted that he was known for his honesty, integrity and simplicity.

Union Minister Smriti Irani called Parrikar a “leader, a mentor, a friend”.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah also expressed his condolences.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Parrikar was a “sincere, honest and sensitive political activist”.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari tweeted, “Apart from being a party member, he was a really close friend of mine.”

BJP leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje also condoled Parrikar’s demise. 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Parrikar was “a true son of Goa and served India in many roles and responsibilities”.

Condolences also poured in from the opposition quarters with Congress chief Rahul Gandhi tweeting:

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also mourned the demise of the Goa Chief Minister. 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted:

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said Parrikar’s demise has left a huge gap in Indian politics.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also tweeted her condolences: