Goa's only woman Chief Minister Shashikala Kakodkar passes away

Panaji, Oct 28: Goa's second Chief Minister and the only woman to hold that post so far, Shashikala Kakodkar, died on Friday in Panaji, after a prolonged illness. Kakodkar, 81, was appointed the Chief Minister of Goa, then a Union Territory, in 1973 after the death of her father Dayanand Bandodkar, who was the CM then. In 1977, she led her Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party to victory but was ousted from chief ministership in 1979, following a coup from within the party. Commenting on her demise, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said that Kakodkar, who was popularly referred to as Tai, was a visionary and known for her frank opinion. She continued to be passionate about politics and social issues despite her advancing age, he said. "She was always available for guidance. I have gone to her on numerous occasions to seek her suggestions on various issues. She will be known as a visionary and for her frankness," Parsekar said.