Veteran Politician Passes Away Due to Cardiac Arrest
On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Goa’s Agriculture Minister and former Chief Minister, Ravi Naik, passed away following a cardiac arrest, according to family sources. The 79-year-old leader suffered the fatal incident in his hometown, located approximately 30 kilometers from Panaji.
Final Moments and Funeral Arrangements
Mr. Naik was immediately transported to a private hospital in Ponda town, where he was declared dead around 1 a.m. His remains were subsequently brought to his residence in Khadpabandh, Ponda. Thousands of mourners gathered there to pay their respects to the revered leader. The last rites are scheduled for 3 p.m. on the same day.
Personal Life and Family
Ravi Naik is survived by his wife, two children, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy cherished by both his family and the people of Goa.
Tributes from Political Leaders
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed deep sorrow over the loss, highlighting Mr. Naik’s remarkable leadership and humility. “A stalwart of Goan politics, his decades of dedicated service as Chief Minister and Cabinet Minister have left a lasting impact on the state’s governance and welfare,” CM Sawant stated on social media platform X. He extended heartfelt condolences to Mr. Naik’s family and supporters, wishing them strength during this difficult time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute, recalling Mr. Naik as an experienced administrator and committed public servant who played a vital role in Goa’s development. “He was particularly passionate about uplifting the marginalized and disadvantaged sections of society,” PM Modi wrote, offering his sympathies to the bereaved family.
Political Journey and Legacy
Ravi Naik’s political career spanned several decades, during which he was elected seven times as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). He represented constituencies including Ponda and Marcaim, contesting under the banners of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Indian National Congress, and later the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
First elected in 1984 from Ponda as an MGP candidate, he won again in 1989 from Marcaim on the same party ticket. Subsequently, he secured victories in Ponda assembly seat multiple times — in 1999, 2002, 2007, and 2017 as a Congress candidate, and again in 2022 representing BJP.
Tenure as Chief Minister
Mr. Naik served as Goa’s Chief Minister on two occasions. His initial tenure lasted from January 1991 to May 1993, leading the Progressive Democratic Front coalition government. Notably, he also holds the distinction of being Goa’s shortest-serving Chief Minister, with a brief six-day term in April 1994, from the 2nd to the 8th.
Apart from his state-level roles, he was elected as a Member of Parliament from North Goa in 1998 as a Congress representative.
