Ponda (Rajeev Sharma): Goa’s long-serving political figure and Agriculture Minister, Ravi Naik, passed away late Tuesday night after suffering a heart attack at his residence in Ponda. He was 79.
Naik was taken to a private hospital in Ponda after reportedly experiencing chest pain, but medical staff declared him dead shortly after 1 a.m., according to family sources. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves across the state, where he remained a central figure in politics for over four decades.
His funeral is set for Wednesday at 3 p.m. in Ponda. The late minister is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren.
Crowds gathered outside Naik’s home in Kharpabandh, Ponda, early Wednesday morning to pay their respects. Supporters, local leaders, and party workers offered condolences as his body lay in state.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant mourned the loss on social media, calling Naik a towering figure whose contribution to Goa’s governance would not be forgotten. “Ravi Naik ji was a seasoned leader who served the people of Goa with sincerity across various roles. His passing is a deep loss to the state,” Sawant said in his post.
Ravi Naik’s political journey began in the 1980s. He was first elected to the Goa Legislative Assembly in 1984 under the banner of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP). Over the years, he represented both Ponda and Marcaim constituencies and switched affiliations between the MGP, the Indian National Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
He remained a prominent figure in the state assembly, elected a total of seven times—six from Ponda and once from Marcaim. His last electoral victory came in 2022 as a BJP candidate.
Naik’s two terms as Goa’s Chief Minister marked key moments in the state’s political evolution. His first term, heading a coalition government, lasted from 1991 to 1993. He briefly returned to the post in April 1994, serving for just six days—a record for one of the shortest chief ministerial tenures in the state.
In addition to his state roles, Naik also held a seat in the Lok Sabha as the MP from North Goa in 1998.
He remained an influential figure till his last day in office, with colleagues across party lines acknowledging his dedication and experience.
Known for his calm demeanor and deep understanding of Goa’s political and social fabric, Ravi Naik’s absence leaves a significant void in the state’s leadership.
