PANAJI: National and state leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, mourned the demise of senior Goa Cabinet Minister and former Chief Minister Ravi Naik, who passed away early Wednesday at the age of 79.
Condolences poured in on X, with leaders remembering Naik’s decades-long dedication to public service and his contributions to Goa’s social and political development. PM Modi stated that Naik would be remembered for his lifelong commitment to the people and his efforts to uplift farmers. Union Home Minister Amit Shah added that Naik’s service to the people and dedication to public welfare would always be remembered.
BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda described him as a “respected and seasoned leader who devoted his life to Goa’s development,” adding that his vision and guidance had left a lasting mark on the state. Union Minister of State for Education Annpurna Devi paid tribute, calling him a senior BJP leader and Cabinet Minister whose contributions to Goa’s governance were remarkable. Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal remembered Naik as a devoted public servant who had dedicated his life to empowering Goa’s weaker sections.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences, saying he offered humble tributes and prayed to Lord Ram to grant salvation to Naik’s soul and strength to his family. AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and AAP National General Secretary Atishi Marlena also expressed grief over his passing, stating that Naik had dedicated over four decades to public service and offered their condolences to his family and supporters.
In Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant described Naik as a stalwart of Goan politics, whose leadership and humility would always be remembered. “Deeply saddened by the demise of our senior leader and Cabinet Minister Ravi Naik,” he said, adding that Naik’s decades of service had left an indelible mark on Goa’s development. BJP Goa State President Damodar Naik called him an experienced administrator and dedicated public servant, while Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade said that Naik’s devotion to public service would always be remembered.
Several ministers shared personal memories of Naik. Art and Culture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar recalled his decades of contribution to Goa’s development, while Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho described him as a leader of great wisdom, a statesman, and a dear friend, noting the void his passing leaves in Goa’s political and social fabric. Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar said Naik would always be remembered as an experienced administrator, and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte called him a seasoned politician and close guide. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane added that Naik’s legacy of public service would continue to inspire generations.
WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar remembered him as a devoted leader of Goa and the Bhandari Samaj, while Priol MLA Govind Gaude, visibly emotional, said that Goa had lost a man who had done so much for the state and its people, adding that Naik had mentored him and many others in their struggles. Goa Forward Chief Vijai Sardesai called him a towering figure in public life, whose contributions to governance and social justice will always be respected.
Leaders from Congress and AAP Goa also paid tribute. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao called him a dedicated leader whose efforts for Goa’s development will be long remembered. Goa Congress President Amit Patkar said Naik’s contribution to the state’s political landscape and public life will always be remembered. AAP Goa President Amit Palekar, along with General Secretary Surel Tilve, visited Naik’s residence in Ponda to offer their condolences, recalling his long and dedicated service to Goa and the significant role he played in shaping the state’s political journey.
Naik’s body was brought back to his Khadpabandh, Ponda residence, where it is being kept for public homage. Political leaders and colleagues from across parties have been visiting to pay their last respects. The last rites are scheduled for today at 4 pm on his private land in Khadpabandh. The Goa government has declared a public holiday today and announced a three-day state mourning from October 15 to 17, with the National Flag at half-mast and no official events during this period.
