Ravi Naik, Goa Agriculture Minister Passes Away
Goa's agriculture minister Ravi Naik has passed away following a heart attack, according to reports. The 79-year-old Naik, who previously served as the state's Chief Minister, passed away in his native town located 30 kilometers from Panaji.
In honor of the former Chief Minister, current Goa CM Pramod Sawant stated that Naik's guidance, modesty, and dedication to serving the public will be forever remembered.
“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.”
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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 on X.
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The deceased politician secured victories from the Ponda assembly seat repeatedly in 1999, 2002, 2007, and 2017 representing the Congress party, and later in 2022 as a BJP representative.
Having served as Chief Minister twice, Naik initially took office from January 1991 through May 1993, heading a coalition administration under the Progressive Democratic Front. He returned to the Chief Minister's position in 1994 for a brief period of merely six days, serving from April 2 to 8, which made him the state's shortest-tenured Chief Minister. Naik also represented North Goa as a Member of Parliament in 1998 under the Congress banner.
Prime Minister Modi stated that Naik would be remembered for his administrative expertise and commitment to public service. He highlighted Naik's dedication to uplifting the underprivileged and marginalized communities.
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“Saddened by the passing away of Ravi Naik, 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 posted on X.
Ravi Naik's ascent reflected Goa's contemporary political evolution, starting as a local municipal representative in the early 1980s before quickly advancing to the Legislative Assembly representing Marcaim. Throughout his political journey, he moved between the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, Congress, and BJP, demonstrating his practical approach to governance. He secured legislative victories seven times—with six wins from Ponda—and held the position of Chief Minister during 1991-1993 and for a short period in 1994, while also managing key ministerial roles including Agriculture, Home Affairs, and Deputy Chief Minister across different administrations.
Naik served as an influential advocate for the Bhandari community and remained a vital voice for mundkars, agricultural workers, and Goa's laboring population, persistently promoting equitable progress. Although he encountered various scandals and political challenges throughout his tenure, his determination and flexibility maintained his prominence in Goan political affairs for almost four decades.