Also known as anti-Emergency crusader, George Fernandes was not only a political leader but also was a civil rights activist. People from all walks of life have sent their condolences.
Bengaluru: George Fernandes, former union minister and founder of Samata Party breathed his last in New Delhi at 7 AM, today. Reports state that Fernandes who was suffering from Alzheimer's disease, in the last few days, was also ill with the flu.
The former defence minister was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1967 and last served in parliament as a Rajya Sabha MP between August 2009 and July 2010.
He was the defence minister between 1998 and 2004.
George Fernandes was known as the civil rights activist and an anti-Emergency crusader.
ALSO READ: George Fernandes, former defence minister, anti-Emergency crusader passes away
He hailed from Mangaluru and was the founder of the Samata Party. He also served as a Union Minister in the Janata Party government headed by Morarji Desai between 1977 and 1980.
Leaders from all parties including President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed their condolences.
President Ram Nath Kovind, expressed his heartfelt condolences and termed George Fernandes as aperson with simple living and high thinking.
Distressed to learn of the passing of Shri George Fernandes, who served India in many capacities, including as Defence Minister. He epitomised simple living and high thinking. And was a champion of democracy, during the Emergency and beyond. We will all miss him #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 29, 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Geirge Fernandes as the person who fought for justice, the leader with the capacity to humble the mightiest of politicians and also spoke highly of his committment to ideology.
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
George Sahab represented the best of India’s political leadership.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2019
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.
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
MP Subramanian Swamy, who was a good friend of George Fernandes said earlier they had differences but later they were united in opposing TDP and the Nehru family.
Very sad to hear about George Fernandes’ demise. He was a very good friend in his later years. Earlier we had ideological. differences due to his being socialist and I for market based economy but we were united in opposing TDK and residual Nehru family.
— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) January 29, 2019
Mp rajeev Chandrasekhar too took to Twitter to express his condolences and said that George Fernandes's couragge and integrity was inspirational.
#GeorgeFernandes that great warrior is no more ! 🙏🏻 #RIP
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@rajeev_mp) January 29, 2019
His courage n integrity was inspirational - took on mighty n powerful - in politics n business.
I m honored to hv known him n workd wth him n fortunate that men like him walked this earth during our time 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/IjyjekfucP
Karnataka MP, BJP leader CT Ravi called George Fernandes an honest political leader.
India has lost another Honest Political Leader and a true Trade Union Leader, Sri George Fernandes.
— C T Ravi 🇮🇳 (@CTRavi_BJP) January 29, 2019
A strong anti-Emergency Opponent and Nationalist, Sri Fernandes always placed the interests of the Nation above everything else.
I pray for His Noble Soul. RIP pic.twitter.com/uG2YVnYBc6
Journalist Rajdeep Sardesai explained George Fernandes as the giant killer who was never slayed in life and that only death could silence him.
George the giant killer was never slayed in life.. only death could silence the voice of a defiant contrarian.. one of the most charismatic politicians of his generation, embodied the spirit of a romantic era of street fighting politics.. George Fernandes RIP
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) January 29, 2019
Congress leader Randeep Surjewala also took to Twitter to express his condolences.
My condolences on the passing away of former Union Minister, Sh George Fernandes.
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) January 29, 2019
May his soul rest in peace.
Karnataka deputy chief minister R Parameshwara said that George Fernandes's contribution to Indian politics has been immense.
Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Former Defense and Railway Minister, Shri George Fernandes. His contribution to Indian politics has been immense.
— Dr. G Parameshwara (@DrParameshwara) January 29, 2019
May God grant his family strength in this time of grief. #RIPGeorgeFernandes pic.twitter.com/dhqY41kpVc
BJP leader Rajnath Singh said that today we have lost a stalwart of India's socialist movemnet who devoted his life for uplifting the poor and marginalised.
Deeply saddened by the passing away of India’s former Defence Minister George Fernandes ji. Today we have lost a stalwart of India’s socialist movement. He devoted his entire life for the welfare and uplift of the poor and marginalised. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 29, 2019
Karnataka Congress leader KJ George express sjock over the demise of the political leader from the state.
Extremely shocked and saddened by the demise of Former Union Minister and Defence Minister Shri. #GeorgeFernandes.
— KJ George (@thekjgeorge) January 29, 2019
I extend my condolences to his family and may God rest his soul in peace. pic.twitter.com/Qfln9Qit8e
KPCC president Dinesh Gundu Rao described George Fernades as a person who fought for the issues and caused that he belived in.
A socialist,trade unionist,activist,politician, who played many roles with aplomb.
— Dinesh Gundu Rao (@dineshgrao) January 29, 2019
An unique personality, who fought passionately for issues and causes that he believed in.
Plus his roots where from Mangaluru, Karnataka.#RIPGeorgeFernandeshttps://t.co/S7jWOzZnN8
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar too expressed his condolences and said that he will be remembered for his firebrand politics and fight for labour reforms.
Sad to hear about the demise of the great stalwart leader #GeorgeFernandes. He will always be remembered for his firebrand politics and his continuous fight for labour reforms. RIP sir 🙏
— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) January 29, 2019
Last Updated Jan 29, 2019, 12:29 PM IST
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