Former Union Defence Minister George Fernandes passed away at the age of 88 on Tuesday morning following a prolonged illness. Fernandes was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Those close to family claimed that he had recently contracted swine flu.
Former Defence Minister George Fernandes passes away at the age of 88 (File pic) pic.twitter.com/Iu5L1XJAOO
— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2019
He was the Key leader of Janta Dal and founder of Samta Party which later merged with Janta Dal (United). He held Defence Portfolio under Atal Bihari Vajpayee led NDA government from 2001-2004. Apart from this, he also held portfolios of Communications, industry and railways under various governments. He held the portfolio of Union Minister of Railways from 1989 to 1990 under the then Prime Minister VP Singh.
Fernandes was among the key members in Moraji Desai’s Cabinet when Janta Party stormed to power in 1977.
Following her Demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and said that Fernandes was the among the most effective voices for the rights of poor and marginalised.
‘George Sahab represented the best of India’s political leadership. Frank and fearless, forthright and farsighted, he made a valuable contribution to our country. He was among the most effective voices for the rights of the poor and marginalised. Saddened by his passing away’ PM said in a series of a tweet.
George Sahab represented the best of India’s political leadership.
Frank and fearless, forthright and farsighted, he made a valuable contribution to our country. He was among the most effective voices for the rights of the poor and marginalised.
Saddened by his passing away.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2019
When we think of Mr. George Fernandes, we remember most notably the fiery trade union leader who fought for justice, the leader who could humble the mightiest of politicians at the hustings, a visionary Railway Minister and a great Defence Minister who made India safe and strong.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2019
During his long years in public life, George Sahab never deviated from his political ideology. He resisted the Emergency tooth and nail. His simplicity and humility were noteworthy. My thoughts are with his family, friends and lakhs of people grieving. May his soul rest in peace.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2019
President Ram Nath Kovind also conveyed his condolences. President tweeted, ‘Remembering Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa on his birth anniversary. A great son of Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka and above all India, he is cherished as one of our finest military commanders. And remains a much loved national hero #PresidentKovind’
Remembering Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa on his birth anniversary. A great son of Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka and above all India, he is cherished as one of our finest military commanders. And remains a much loved national hero #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 28, 2019
Congress President Rahul Gandhi conveyed his condolences to the family and friends of Fernandes.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also conveyed his condolences. He said, as quoted by ANI.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar: I offer my deepest condolences on passing away of former defence minister George Fernandes. He was a fiery trade union leader who fought for justice. May his soul rest in peace. My thoughts are with his family. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/wB0yx5EU0p
— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2019
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said ‘I offer condolences at his passing away. He committed his life to the country. He fought for justice for trade unions. I considered him an icon’.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on #GeorgeFernandes: I offer condolences at his passing away. He committed his life to the country. He fought for justice for trade unions. I considered him an icon. pic.twitter.com/gf42Kxg1Yj
— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2019
Rajnath Singh: #GeorgeFernandes ji served the nation in several capacities &held key portfolios like Defence&Railways at different times. He led many labour movements&fought against the injustice towards them. His tenure as Def Minister was outstanding.May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/ucM9S6rrpH
— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2019