Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the demise of Goa Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik, a veteran politician whose decades-long career left a lasting impact on the state. Naik passed away on October 15 at the age of 79.
Sawant pays tribute to senior leader
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), CM Sawant called Naik a stalwart of Goan politics, highlighting his decades of service as Chief Minister and cabinet minister.
“Deeply saddened by the demise of our senior leader and Cabinet Minister 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 wrote.
PM Modi remembers Naik’s contributions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned the passing of Naik, describing him as an experienced administrator and dedicated public servant. Modi recalled Naik’s passion for empowering the downtrodden and marginalised.
“Saddened by the passing away of Ravi Naik Ji, Minister in the Goa Government. He will be remembered as an experienced administrator and dedicated public servant who enriched Goa’s development trajectory. He was particularly passionate about empowering the downtrodden and marginalised. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” PM Modi wrote.
Naik’s political journey
Born on September 18, 1946, in Ponda, Goa, Naik began his political career with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), the first ruling party of Goa after the end of Portuguese rule in 1961. Known as an agriculturist, political and social worker, he served as Goa’s Chief Minister twice.
In 1998, Naik was elected to the Lok Sabha from North Goa constituency. Over the years, he held multiple key ministerial portfolios, including agriculture, leaving a lasting imprint on Goan governance and public welfare initiatives.
Legacy and public remembrance
Ravi Naik is remembered for his dedication to public service, commitment to agriculture, and advocacy for the marginalized communities in Goa. Leaders across parties and citizens alike have paid tribute to his contributions, noting his humility, leadership, and decades of service to the state.