New Delhi, January 29: Former defence minister George Fernandes passed away here on Tuesday morning after a long spell of Alzheimer’s disease. He was 88.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise saying Fernandes never deviated from his political ideology and remained steadfast.
Fernandes was a key member of the Janata Dal and also founder of the Samata Party.
He was defence minister in the NDA hovernment led by Atal Behari Vajpayee from 1998 to 2004, when India went to war with Pakistan in Kargil. India also conducted the nuclear tests at Pokhran when he was defence minister.
Modi tweeted, “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.”
The PM said he was 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. 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,” the PM said.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi also condoled the death, saying “I’m sorry to hear about the passing away of former Parliamentarian & Union Minister, George Fernandes Ji. My condolences to his family and friends in this time of grief.”
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