In a significant development, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s health worsened on Saturday as he was rushed to Goa Medical College Hospital. The 63-year-old BJP leader has been receiving treatment after he was diagnosed with the fourth stage of pancreatic cancer in February last year.
A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office said on Saturday, “Honourable Chief Minister taken to Goa Medical College for upper GI endoscopy. His health condition continues to be stable. (He) will remain there under observation for around 48 hours.”
With speculations rife over his condition, Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Sunday took to Twitter to urge people to not pay heed to rumours on Parrikar’s condition. He wrote, “I would like to clear the air by saying, that I visited the hon’ble CM, he is absolutely fine. It’s a request to the people, not to pay heed on rumours, as there is no authenticity of facts. It is a clear attempt made by media platforms to mislead the people.”
I would like to clear the air by saying, that I visited the hon’ble CM, he is absolutely fine. It’s a request to the people, not to pay heed on rumours, as there is no authenticity of facts. It is a clear attempt made by media platforms to mislead the people. @prudentgoa @goacm
— VishwajitRane (@visrane) February 24, 2019
In another tweet Rane had said, “Called on the Hon’ble CM today morning, he will be kept under observation till tomorrow. But most importantly, he is doing well and his parameters are satisfactory. Happy to see him active and alert. Appeal to the people not to speculate, instead, pray for his speedy recovery.”
Called on the Hon’ble CM today morning, he will be kept under observation till tomorrow. But most importantly, he is doing well and his parameters are satisfactory. Happy to see him active and alert. Appeal to the people not to speculate, instead, pray for his speedy recovery.
— VishwajitRane (@visrane) February 24, 2019
Several local media reports reported that security outside the GMCH, where Parrikar is admitted, had been beefed up. This sparked off speculations on the worsening condition of Parrikar’s health. Parrikar has travelled twice to the US and was even admitted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences last year for treatment.
The BJP had come under condemnation for forcing Parrikar to continue in office despite his frail condition. He was seen attending public functions with feeding tube inserted through his nose.
