Ravi Naik Dies: Former Goa CM Passes Away at 79 Following Sudden Cardiac Arrest; PM Narendra Modi Expresses Grief
Born on September 18, 1946, Ravi Naik passed away at the age of 79. He served as the Chief Minister of Goa twice. PM Modi said that Ravi Naik will be remembered as an experienced administrator and dedicated public servant. He remembered Naik's passion for empowering the downtrodden and the marginalised.
New Delhi, October 15: Goa Agriculture Minister and former Chief Minister Ravi Naik passed away following a sudden cardiac arrest, his family confirmed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to the veteran leader, calling him a dedicated public servant who made lasting contributions to Goa's development. Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Saddened by the passing away of Shri 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.”
Ravi Naik was a towering figure in Goan politics, known for his long and eventful political journey that spanned over four decades. He began his political career in the 1980s with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) before joining the Congress. Naik served as the Chief Minister of Goa twice, briefly in 1991 and again in 1994, with a total tenure of around 850 days. Ravi Naik Dies: Goa Cabinet Minister and Two-Time Former CM Passes Away at 79 in Ponda; Chief Minister Pramod Sawant Condoles Demise, Declares 3-Day State Mourning.
PM Modi Expresses Grief on Demise of Ravi Naik
He was elected to the Lok Sabha and served as an MP from 1998 to 1999. A prominent Congress face in Goa for many years, Naik switched to the BJP shortly before the 2022 Goa Assembly elections. He was appointed as the Minister for Agriculture in the Pramod Sawant-led government. Rameshwar Lal Dudi Dies: Rajasthan Congress Leader Passes Away at 62, Former CM Ashok Gehlot Expresses Grief.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also expressed his condolences on X, saying, “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.” Known for his grassroots connect and efforts to uplift marginalised communities, Naik remained a respected figure across party lines.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 15, 2025 08:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).