MAPUSA
Former minister and veteran politician Ashok Salgaonkar, from Ganeshpuri, Mapusa, passed away on Sunday morning. He was 81.
He had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in Mapusa for the past few days, where he passed away peacefully.
Salgaonkar began his political journey as a member of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and was first elected as an MLA from the Siolim constituency in 1984. He was re-elected from the same constituency in 1989 on an MGP ticket.
Later, he parted ways with the MGP and joined the Congress along with Ponda MLA Ravi Naik.
He unsuccessfully contested once on a Congress ticket and later as an Independent.
During his tenure as a cabinet minister, Salgaonkar held key portfolios, including transport and industries, and was known for his significant contributions to the State.
He is survived by his wife, a son, and three daughters. His cremation was held on Sunday evening and was attended by senior Congress leaders who paid their last respects to the seasoned politician.
