Ex-Deputy Chief Minister of Goa Francis D Souza passed away

On thursday evening, The former deputy chief minister and BJP MLA of Goa Francis D'Souza passed away.

For the past few months, D'Souza was suffering from cancer. In august 2018, he undergone a surgery for cancer in USA. Due to his critical health condition, he was admitted in city private hospital over ttwo weeks ago.

With the passing away of D'Souza, In the 40- member state legislative assembly, the strength of the BJP has now dropped to 13.

D'Souza was appointed as deputy chief minister in November 2012 under the leadership of Manohar Parrikar.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar tweeted, "Extremely pained to hear about the demise of my dear childhood friend, colleague and former Dy. CM of Goa, advocate Francis D'Souza. A woonderful human being and a leader loved by all. He devoted himself to public service. His demise is a great personal loss".

South Goa BJP MP Narendra Sawaikar tweeted, "I am deeply saddened by the news of demise of Ex-Dy CM Francis D'Souza. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family. May the departed soul be at peace".