MAPUSA

Former Goa deputy Chief Minister and current BJP MLA from Mapusa Francis D’Souza died Thursday evening, Goa BJP said in a statement. 

D’Souza, 64, was admitted to a private hospital after undergoing surgery for cancer in the USA.

“I am deeply saddened by the news…I extend my deepest sympathies to his family. May the departed soul be at peace,” said South Goa BJP MP Narendra Sawaikar on Twitter, announcing the news of D’Souza’s death.

D’Souza was appointed deputy Chief Minister when BJP formed a government in 2012 under Manohar Parrikar’s leadership. 

He was elected to the assembly in 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2017 from Mapusa.

With his death, the BJP’s strength in the 40-member Goa assembly comes down to 13.