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Goa’s agriculture minister and two-time former chief minister, Ravi Naik, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 79 following a cardiac arrest, family sources confirmed. He was rushed to a private hospital in Ponda town, about 30 km from Panaji, but was declared dead around 1 am.

 

Naik is survived by his wife, two children, a daughter-in-law and three grandchildren. His last rites are scheduled for 3 pm on Wednesday. Thousands of mourners gathered at his residence in Khadpabandh, Ponda, to pay tribute to the veteran leader.

 

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant paid homage on X, writing, “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.”

 

Also read: Goa Police reject activist Kankonkar's claim against CM Sawant

 

Ravi Naik, a seven-time MLA, served six terms representing Ponda and once from Marcaim. He began his political journey with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), winning from Ponda in 1984 and Marcaim in 1989. He later joined Congress, winning successive elections in 1999, 2002, 2007 and 2017 from Ponda, before switching to the BJP in 2022.

 

Naik first assumed the office of Chief Minister in January 1991, leading a coalition government under the Progressive Democratic Front until May 1993. He briefly held the post again in 1994, serving for six days, the shortest tenure in Goa’s history. He also represented North Goa in the Lok Sabha in 1998 as a Congress candidate.

 

Known for his administrative acumen and grassroots connection, Naik held multiple key portfolios over his long political career, contributing significantly to the development of Goa’s agriculture, infrastructure and public welfare initiatives.