Politicians, friends recall Parrikar's simplicity, ideals

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Sunday described Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar as a highly-qualified leader of the masses who left his stamp in politics.

Parrikar (63) died of a pancreatic ailment on Sunday at his private residence near here.

"It is shocking news for us. Highly qualified, leader of masses and true son of the soil has left us. As Goa CM, leader of opposition in Goa and as Defence minister, he left his stamp on every post he held," Fadnavis said.

"When Goa was going through political turmoil, the solution came in the form of Parrikar. He offered a stable government and took the state forward," Fadnavis added.

"It was his calibre that took him to Delhi as Defence minister. Many decisions were pending, but Parrikar found solutions to them. He worked very hard," the Maharashtra CM said.

He said he learnt several things from Parrikar who was like a big brother, Fadnavis said.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, offering condolence, said, "The country has lost its great son in the form of Parrikar. He was an embodiment of simplicity, though he served as chief minister of Goa multiple times as well as Defence minister."
Speaking to a regional channel, Kuber said, "Parrikar lost his wife when he was in his early 40s and he knew his younger son could not sleep without her presence. He ensured he returned home every night irrespective of his event or commitments. It shows how deeply he was connected to his family."
Commenting on Parrikar's appeal in Goa, Kuber said, "You would find it surprising that even some churches in Goa had officially appealed to the followers to vote for Parrikar. Everybody knew he was not just a BJP leader but also had a strong RSS background. But Parrikar succeeded in garnering such acceptability."