India’s former Defence Minister and present Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has passed away at the age of 63. Mr Parrikar was battling with pancreatic cancer for the last one year. He was diagnosed with advanced stage of pancreatic cancer in February last year. He was being treated for cancer across various hospitals in Goa, Mumbai, Delhi and New York.
A metallurgical engineering graduate from IIT, he was known for his clean administration and simplicity. He has been credited in bringing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power in Goa.
Mr Manohar Parrikar was a no non-sense man who had launched a campaign against rampant illegal mining during earlier Congress-led governments in Goa. His campaign became the rallying-point for anti-Congress sentiments in Goa.