PANAJI: Goa Tourism Minister Matanhy Saldanha died at a hospital here after suffering a massive heart attack in the wee hours today, sources said.
Saldanha (64), who also holds the portfolios of Science and Environment, was brought to a private hospital at around 1.30 am after he suffered massive cardiac arrest. The doctors treating him told PTI that they tried to resurrect him for almost two hours before declaring him dead.
The body has been shifted to Goa Medical College and hospital near here. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar also rushed to the hospital.
The BJP legislator representing Cortalim constituency was sworn-in as the minister on March 9 after BJP won the Goa Assembly elections.
Saldanha had joined BJP little before the March 3 elections and was one amongst the five catholic candidates who were given ticket by the party.
He has been two-time legislator in the state legislative assembly, first being elected in the year 2002 on United Goans Democratic Party ticket. He was elevated to the status of cabinet minister by then Parrikar-led cabinet.
Saldanha has been on the forefront of movement seeking right to traditional fishermen. He led National Fishworkers' Forum (NFF) and also fought against the special economic zones in the state.