Goa minister reveals CM Manohar Parrikar has pancreatic cancer
What's the story
Confirming what many already suspected, Goa's Health Minister, Vishwajit Rane, on Saturday told the press that Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was indeed suffering from pancreatic cancer. Rane's comments marked the first official admission of Parrikar's ailment by a leader from the ruling party. For those unaware, Parrikar has been suffering from ill-health since February. Here are the details.
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There's no hiding the fact that Parrikar has pancreatic cancer
"He is the Chief Minister of Goa and the fact is, that he is not well. He has got pancreatic cancer. There is no hiding of this fact," Rane told the press on Saturday.
Health
Since February, Parrikar has been under near-constant medical attention
Parrikar's health issues surfaced in February and since then, the Chief Minister has been under near-constant medical attention. He had also gone to the US for treatment, and had returned in September. Shortly after his return, however, Parrikar was admitted to the All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), from where he held a cabinet meeting, marking the first-ever meeting of its kind.
Goa politics
Parrikar's ill-health has had its effect on Goa politics
Parrikar's ill-health has also affected politics in Goa, with the Congress putting pressure on the ruling party to disclose Parrikar's health status. The Congress has also alleged that administrative work in Goa has been affected by Parrikar's health. However, government officials, including Rane, have denied the allegations, saying that Parrikar's absence from office has not obstructed any administrative work.
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Rane appeals that CM Parrikar be left in peace
"Let him be peaceful with his family. He has that much right, after serving the people of Goa that if he wants to spend some quality time with his family, nobody has the business to ask. It is a question for his family to declare it," added Rane.