PANAJI: Union Tourism Minister Shripad Naik termed the demise of BJP leader and Rural Development Minister Gopinath Munde today as an irreversible loss for the party.
"It is an irreversible loss for the BJP. Munde was among those leaders who were instrumental in growth of party in Maharashtra, Goa and also nationally," said Naik, who was with the deceased leader till late last night.
Munde was a grassroots level leader who had climbed up the ladder of success through sheer dedication and social work. He was also responsible for BJP's landslide victory in the recently held Lok Sabha elections, he said.
Naik, who hails from Goa, recalled that Munde was at the helm of affairs of the party in the state before the 2012 Assembly elections, which saw Manohar Parrikar-led government getting majority.
"He was like a mentor for Goa BJP leaders. Whenever we required any advice, he was available. We have lost someone who is closest to us," reacted Naik.
Munde, 64, died in a road accident in Delhi this morning.