Former Goa CM and Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik passes away at 79, state declares three days of mourning
Former Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik died from a heart attack on Wednesday.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) October 15: The former chief minister and minister of agriculture for Goa, Ravi Naik, died early on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack. He was seventy-nine years old. Family sources claim that Naik experienced a cardiac arrest at his hometown. It is roughly 30 kilometers from Panaji.
He was brought to a Ponda private hospital. The doctors announced him dead at around one in the morning. Thousands of people gathered to honor the leader at his home in Khadpabandh, Ponda.
PM Modi, CM Sawant express deep condolences on X
Prime Minister Modi has expressed his sadness at Naik's passing.
He 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,” on social media platform X.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also shared his grief at the passing away. He said that people will always remember Naik's leadership, kindness, and commitment to public service.
He said, “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” on X.
Naik's Political Journey
Naik has served as an MLA seven times. He served as a candidate for the Congress, the BJP, and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party.
He was the first MLA to propose the creation of a third district in Goa. Naik was well-known for his campaign to give rights to Kuls and Mundkars.
Naik served as Goa’s Chief Minister twice in 1990s
Mr. Naik served as Goa’s Chief Minister twice. The first time was from January 1991 to May 1993. He led a Progressive Democratic Front coalition government.
He also served as Goa's chief minister for the shortest period of time in 1994. He was in office from April 2 to April 8 of that year. The tenure was only for six days.
Ravi Naik also ran for Congress in 1998. He was elected as a member of parliament from North Goa.
Government offices shut, state observes mourning
The government of Goa has declared three days of official mourning from October 15–17, 2025 after the passing of former Minister and senior leader Ravi Naik.
All offices of the State Government, municipal and autonomous organizations, PSUs, and state-run educational institutions will be closed on October 15 out of respect.
The National Flag is normally raised on all Goan government buildings. But it will fly at half-mast during the state mourning period.
Naik is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. His final ceremonies will take place today at 3 p.m.
