Image Source: X/ Govind Gaude
Ravi Naik was rushed to a private hospital in Ponda when he had a heart attack and was declared dead. His last rites were planned for Wednesday at 3 p.m.
Ravi Naik, a 79-year-old former Chief Minister of Goa, died after suffering a cardiac arrest in his hometown near Ponda. A seven-term MLA and two-time Chief Minister, Naik had a long political life covering Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Congress, and the BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant paid tribute, labeling him as a dedicated public servant who left an abiding legacy in state governance.
Ravi Naik was a senior political leader of Goa who has been Chief Minister twice and has held important portfolios, such as Agriculture Minister in the state government. Naik was a grassroots leader with a deep connect with rural and backward classes. Naik had a career of more than four decades that saw him win seven Assembly elections six from Ponda and one from Marcaim.
Prominent leader and marvelous retired government employee left behind his wife, two children, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren.
Party line leaders praised Naik's dedication to public service. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant asserted that Naik made an "indelible mark" on the governance of the state through welfare- and development-focused policies. His tenure as an administrator is characterized by efforts to consolidate grassroots institutions and assure social inclusivity.
As per reports, Naik had a cardiac arrest in his hometown 30 km from Panaji. He was promptly shifted to a private hospital at Ponda, where physicians declared him dead at 1 a.m. Naik leaves behind his wife, two children, one daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. His last rites were taken out on Wednesday at 3 p.m. in the presence of political leaders and workers.
Reportedly Ravi Naik's total disclosed assets are about Rs 14.7 crore, of which Rs 4.3 Crore as moveable assets and Rs 10.5 Crore as immovable assets. His total disclosed income is Rs 5 Lac, out of which Rs 2.5 Lac is self income. Ravi Naik has a total liability of Rs 39600.
Political analysts feel Naik's death leaves a vacancy in Goa's leadership. With his accessibility and earthy nature, he will be remembered for his fight for issues of social justice and development. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant recollected his "humility and unflinching commitment to the welfare of the people."
Ravi Naik was a member of the Bhandari community and enjoyed significant clout among backward classes. Naik was well-respected for pushing for the rights of kuls and mundkars (tenant and native residents) and was also the first MLA to suggest the establishment of a third district in Goa, which reflects his administrative expansion vision.
Yes. During his political life, Naik had been the representative of several parties, such as the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), the Congress, and later the BJP. He was a seven-time MLA , six times from Ponda and once from Marcaim . He was one of the most long-standing political personalities of Goa. Chief Minister Sawant condoled on X, stating, "My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and supporters in this moment of grief. Om Shanti."
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