Union Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik has been seriously injured in a road accident in coastal Karnataka’s Ankola, while his wife Vijaya Naik who was travelling with him have succumbed to her injuries.
The minister was returning after offering prayers at Yellapur’s famous Gante Ganesha (Bell Ganesha) temple, according to Ankola police sources.
Chief minister BS Yediyurappa has condoled the death of Vijaya Naik and wished a speedy recovery to the Union minister.
Shocked to know that the car which Union Minister Shripad Naik ji was travelling met with an accident in Uttara Kannada and the death of his wife. My heartfelt condolences on the tragic death of Smt Naik and prayers for the speedy recovery of Shri Naik and those injured.
— B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) January 11, 2021
Naik, 68, who has helmed the newly created ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Sidda and Homeopathy (AYUSH) has been at the forefront of promoting indigenous systems of medicine and is a senior leader in Goa’s BJP unit besides being a five-time MP having continuously represented the North Goa constituency since 1999.