Ponda: Goa’s Agriculture Minister and former chief minister Ravi Naik passed away late Tuesday night following a sudden cardiac arrest. He was 79.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the news. Expressing grief on the death of his ministerial colleague, Sawant said it is a big loss for Goa. Naik was a man of the masses and a very popular political leader, the Chief Minister said.
“Deeply saddened by the demise of our senior leader and Cabinet Minister Shri Ravi Naik Ji. A stalwart of Goan politics, his decades of dedicated service as Chief Minister, and Minister across key portfolios have left an indelible mark on the state’s Governance and people. His leadership, humility and contribution to public welfare will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and supporters in this moment of grief. Om Shanti,” Sawant said on ‘X’.
Naik, a veteran leader, who had been actively involved in Goan politics for over five decades, suffered the cardiac arrest at his residence in Ponda and was immediately rushed to Savoikar Hospital. The cardiac arrest was so severe that Naik was declared “brought dead”.
The news has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum. Gloom descended on Ponda as “Patrao”, as he was popularly called, is no more. A large number of his workers and well-wishers rushed to his residence on hearing the news.
Naik was the (Congress) Chief Minister of Goa twice, first from February 12, 1991, to May 18, 1993, and from April 2, 1994, to April 8, 1994. He was the Deputy Chief Minister in the Manohar Parrikar-led government in 2002. He also served as the Leader of the Opposition twice. He was first elected as an MLA in 1984.
Naik came from Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and later joined the Congress and also BJP. He was elected on BJP ticket at the 2022 assembly elections.
Born on September 18, 1946, Ravi Naik’s political journey was marked by significant influence and pivotal shifts. He was considered as an astute politician, who had his ears to the ground.
He held high positions, but was always grounded, according to political commentators. Naik is known to have the art of getting the pulse of the people right.
Throughout his long service, Naik held critical portfolios, including Home and Agriculture. He is still remembered for his action against goondaraj in the 90s. He had even put politicians behind bars.
Naik also had a stint as a member of the Lok Sabha. He was elected from the North Goa constituency on Congress ticket in the late 90s.
