Panaji, Oct 15, 2025:
Goa’s political landscape lost one of its most enduring figures on Monday night as Ravi Naik, the state’s agriculture minister and a two-time chief minister, passed away following a sudden cardiac arrest. He was 79.
Naik, who had been a towering presence in Goan politics for over four decades, was admitted to a private hospital in Ponda late Monday after he complained of chest discomfort. Despite doctors’ efforts, he was declared dead shortly after arrival. His family later confirmed the news, plunging the state’s political circles into mourning.
Naik is survived by his wife, two sons — Roy and Ritesh Naik — their spouses, and three grandchildren. His funeral is expected to take place in Ponda, his hometown, with full state honours.
A Long and Storied Political Journey
Ravi Sitaram Naik’s political journey reflected both the dynamism and the turbulence of Goan politics. Born in 1946 in Ponda, Naik was known from early on for his grassroots connect and sharp political instincts. His career began in 1980when he joined the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), then one of Goa’s most powerful regional parties.
Naik quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating a knack for organisational strategy and a deep understanding of local social structures. However, it was his move to the Indian National Congress (INC) in the mid-1980s that cemented his position as a state-level leader of consequence.
In 1991, Naik became Goa’s chief minister for the first time, marking the beginning of a period of political churn and coalition politics in the state. He served two non-consecutive terms — from January 1991 to May 1993 and again briefly in 1994 — together amounting to around 850 days in office.
During his tenure, Naik was known for his pragmatic approach to governance, focusing on infrastructure development, rural electrification, and improving agricultural productivity — issues that would remain central to his political persona throughout his career.
Though his time as chief minister was marked by shifting alliances and political instability, Naik’s ability to command respect across communities and navigate Goa’s faction-ridden politics earned him recognition as one of the state’s most adaptable leaders.
From Congress Veteran to BJP Minister
For most of his political life, Ravi Naik remained a Congress stalwart, serving as an MLA multiple times and holding several key portfolios in successive state governments. However, in the lead-up to the 2022 Goa Assembly elections, Naik made a significant political switch by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The move surprised some of his long-time supporters but was seen by political observers as part of Naik’s pragmatic streak — a reflection of his desire to remain relevant in the state’s changing political equations. The BJP rewarded his loyalty and experience, appointing him minister for agriculture in Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s cabinet.
As agriculture minister, Naik worked to modernize farming practices, promote organic agriculture, and improve irrigation infrastructure in the state. Despite his advancing age, he continued to maintain an active schedule, often touring rural areas to interact with farmers.
Goa Mourns a Political Stalwart
The news of Naik’s death prompted an outpouring of grief across the political spectrum. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a “stalwart of Goan politics.”
“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,”
Sawant wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Former political colleagues from both the Congress and BJP also paid tribute, recalling Naik as a leader who remained grounded in his commitment to public service.
Champion of the Bahujan Samaj
Ravi Naik’s political base was deeply rooted in the Hindu Bahujan Samaj — the broad coalition of numerically strong but historically marginalized communities in Goa. Over the years, he emerged as one of the tallest leaders representing these groups, advocating for social inclusion and equitable access to education, government employment, and economic opportunities.
His appeal among grassroots voters in Ponda and surrounding constituencies was both personal and political. Supporters frequently cited his accessibility and willingness to engage with people from all walks of life.
“Naik was among the few leaders who could walk into any village in Goa and be greeted as one of their own,” said a former Congress colleague. “He understood the pulse of the people, especially the rural poor, and that’s what made him so effective.”
A Life of Public Service and Personal Modesty
Despite occupying high political office for much of his life, Naik was known for his simple lifestyle. Friends and associates often described him as soft-spoken, deliberate, and deeply religious. He maintained close ties with his constituency in Ponda, where he began his political journey, and never missed attending local festivals or community events.
He also had a brief but notable stint in national politics, serving as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha from 1998 to 1999. During this period, Naik worked on issues related to Goa’s tourism and environment, advocating for policies to protect the state’s fragile coastal ecosystems.
In recent years, even as health issues began to slow him down, Naik continued to attend cabinet meetings and remained active in local political affairs. His presence was particularly valued by younger politicians, many of whom regarded him as a mentor and bridge between generations.
Legacy and Contributions
Ravi Naik leaves behind a legacy defined by consistency, resilience, and adaptability. His four-decade-long political career mirrored Goa’s own political evolution — from the dominance of regional parties to the rise of national ones, and from agrarian politics to the era of digital campaigns.
For his supporters, Naik’s greatest strength lay in his ability to balance power with approachability. Whether as chief minister or agriculture minister, he maintained an open-door policy for citizens seeking redressal of grievances.
Political analysts credit him with strengthening Goa’s administrative framework in areas like agriculture, rural development, and infrastructure, while his tenure as chief minister helped lay the groundwork for several long-term policy initiatives.
As Goa prepares to bid farewell to one of its most steadfast leaders, tributes continue to pour in — not just from political peers but also from ordinary citizens who saw in Ravi Naik a representative who remained close to the ground even after decades in power.
His passing marks the end of an era in Goan politics — one characterized by coalition-building, grassroots mobilization, and a deep personal connection between leaders and their constituents.
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