Prime Minister Modi Expresses Condolences on the Passing of Goa's Ravi Naik

Prime Minister Modi's Tribute

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the passing of Goa's Agriculture Minister, Ravi Naik, highlighting his legacy as a seasoned administrator who significantly contributed to the state's development. In a post on social media, Modi stated, "I am saddened by the demise of Shri Ravi Naik, a minister in the Goa government. He will be remembered as an experienced administrator and a dedicated public servant who enriched Goa's developmental journey."

Ravi Naik's Sudden Demise

Ravi Naik, the Agriculture Minister of Goa and former Chief Minister, passed away late Tuesday night due to a heart attack, as confirmed by family sources. The 79-year-old experienced the heart attack in his hometown of Ponda, located about 30 kilometers from Panaji. He was rushed to a private hospital in Ponda, where he was pronounced 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 Wednesday afternoon at 3 PM.

Tributes Pour In for Naik

Naik's body was taken to his residence in Khadpabandh, Ponda, where thousands gathered to pay their respects. Goa's Chief Minister Pramod Sawant paid tribute to Naik, stating that his leadership, humility, and contributions to public welfare would always be remembered.

Sawant expressed his condolences on social media, saying, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of our senior leader and Cabinet Minister Shri Ravi Naik. 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 its people. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and supporters during this difficult time. Om Shanti."

Naik's Political Journey

Ravi Naik served as a legislator for seven terms across various parties, including the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was first elected to the Goa Legislative Assembly in 1984 on an MGP ticket from the Ponda constituency and later contested from the Marcaim constituency in 1989.

Naik was re-elected multiple times from the Ponda constituency in 1999, 2002, 2007, and 2017 on Congress tickets, and again in 2022 on a BJP ticket. He served as Chief Minister twice, first leading a coalition government from January 1991 to May 1993, and briefly in 1994, holding the record for the shortest tenure as Chief Minister at just six days. Additionally, he was a Member of Parliament from North Goa in 1998.

Social Media Tribute

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… pic.twitter.com/3UDGOmm79l

— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) October 14, 2025