Panaji/Mumbai/New Delhi: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is currently admitted at AIIMS in Delhi, is “very unwell” and is “living” with God’s blessings, Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly Michael Lobo said Monday. Parrikar, 63, who is suffering from a pancreatic ailment, was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on 31 January. Earlier in the day, on the occasion of the World Cancer Day, Parrikar said in a message that the human mind can overcome any disease.
Lobo told reporters that the day Parrikar steps down as chief minister, or “something happens to him”, Goa will plunge into a political crisis.
Parrikar has been in and out of hospitals in Delhi, New York, Mumbai and Goa since last year.
“The ailment he has got has no cure. There will be no political crisis till Manohar Parrikar is in chair. But the day he steps down on his health ground or something happens to him, there will be a political crisis. He is very unwell,” said Lobo, who is a senior BJP leader and represents Calangute Assembly constituency.” He is still living and working with God’s blessings,” he added.
Parrikar heads a coalition government, which is supported by the Goa Forward Party (GFP), the Maharashravadi Gomantak Party (MGP), and three Independent MLAs.
Sources at the AIIMS Saturday said Parrikar’s condition was stable.
Veteran BJP leader LK Advani, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Army chief General Bipin Rawat had met the ailing chief minister in Goa earlier to enquire about his health.
Last week, Parrikar, with a tube inserted through his nose, had presented the state in the Goa Assembly.
Lobo had earlier demanded that Parrikar step down on health grounds, as he has been absent from office for long.
The MGP had in the past threatened to pull out from the BJP-led government on various issues including crisis in the mining industry.
The party has been demanding that senior leader Sudin Dhavalikar be appointed as the chief minister.
Sirf News‘ coverage of the disease
Mind can overcome any disease: Parrikar
Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday said the human mind can overcome any disease. His message came on the World Cancer Day being observed on Monday.
Parrikar, 63, is suffering from a pancreatic ailment and is currently admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.
“Human mind can overcome any disease #WorldCancerDay,” Parrikar tweeted on Monday.
Human mind can overcome any disease. #WorldCancerDay
— Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) February 4, 2019
The chief minister was diagnosed with a pancreatic ailment in February last year. Since then he has been admitted to hospitals in Delhi, New York, Mumbai and Goa.
Sources at AIIMS had on Saturday said Parrikar’s health condition was stable. He is admitted at the Institute Rotary Cancer hospital at AIIMS under the observation of oncologist Atul Sharma.
Veteran BJP leader L K Advani, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had met him the ailing chief minister in Goa earlier to enquire about his health.
Sonali Bendre returns to work after cancer treatment
Sonali Bendre Behl has resumed work after undergoing treatment for a high grade cancer for about five months in New York.
Last July, Sonali had revealed that she had been diagnosed with a “high grade cancer”. The actor returned home in December 2018.
“Being back on a set after a major sabbatical one that has been testing in many ways on so many levels is a surreal feeling.
“After all this, I sort of feel an additional sense of purpose and meaning, and I’m so grateful to be back in action,” Sonali posted on Instagram Saturday.
The actor uploaded her picture and a video, where she can be seen entering a vanity van, smiling and waving to the camera.
“I don’t think words would do justice to how beautiful it feels to be back at work… To face the camera again and portray the range of emotions required.
“Given that my emotions have been running high for the last couple of months, it feels good to give into the emotions that the job requires. It’s just the kind of day that helps me #SwitchOnTheSunshine,” she added.
Sonali, best known for her role in ’90s movies such as Diljale, Sarfarosh, Duplicate and Hum Saath Saath Hain, is married to filmmaker Goldie Behl. The couple has a 13-year-old son Ranveer.
Committed to affordable treatment of cancer: PM Modi
Prime Minster Narendra Modi on Monday said his government was committed towards ensuring early detection and affordable treatment of cancer.
On World Cancer Day, the PM also appreciated research on cancer, saying it will go a long way in ensuring a healthier planet.
“Today, on #WorldCancerDay we reiterate our commitment towards ensuring early detection and affordable treatment of cancer. Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat (health scheme) have a strong emphasis on providing quality healthcare and ensuring cancer-free lives,” he tweeted.
Today, on #WorldCancerDay we reiterate our commitment towards ensuring early detection and affordable treatment of cancer. Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat have a strong emphasis on providing quality healthcare and ensuring cancer-free lives.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 4, 2019
The prime minister hailed all those who are valiantly fighting the disease. “Millions are inspired by their remarkable zeal,” he said. “I also appreciate those researching on aspects of cancer treatment. Their efforts will go a long way in ensuring a healthier planet,” he wrote.
