George Fernandes No More
New Delhi: Former defence minister George Fernandes, long-time socialist and a trade unionist, who fought the Congress all his life died on Tuesday after prolonged illness his family sources said. .
Fernandes, who was 88 years , was suffering from Alzheimer's disease and had been out of the public eye and has been bed-ridden for more than eight years, family sources said. He had a cold and cough and was taken to the Max Hospital in Saket by his wife, Liela Fernandes, earlier in the day, when doctors said that the veteran leader was already dead. His son, who lives in New York, is expected back in a day or two, after which the funeral will take place, the sources said.
Fernandes, a long-time socialist, rose to political prominence when he led the Bombay Taxi Unions Association and defeated "uncrowned king of Bombay" S.K. Patil, a Congress heavy-weight in the 1967 general election. A fire-brand and hardworking Fernandes, only 37 then, campaigned tirelessly, covering large swathes of the constituency with his workers. And when the results were declared, he unseated the 'king' with 48.5 per cent of the votes. Fernandes later joined the Janata Dal.
He served as Railways Minister in the V.P. Singh government from 1989 to 1990. He was instrumental in setting up the Konkan Railway project, connecting Mangalore and Bombay. In 1994, Fernandes formed the Samata Party, which later allied with the Bharatiya Janata Party. He was appointed convenor of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and served as the Defence Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government for two terms, between 1998 and 2004. His term was eventful as it witnessed the Kargil war and Pokhran test.
Meanwhile, tributes to the former Defence minister, socialist and trade unionist poured in from President Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu, PM Modi and and a galaxy of other VIPs:
(PTI)
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
I have been deeply influenced by his thoughts and actions and was closely associated with him during the JP movement. My condolences to bereaved family members, friends and followers.#GeorgeFernandes ? pic.twitter.com/YkrbJV6qkY
— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) 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.
I’m sorry to hear about the passing of former Parliamentarian & Union Minister, George Fernandes Ji.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 29, 2019
My condolences to his family and friends in this time of grief.
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
George Fernandes was my hero, India has lost a son. Shraddhanjali ! pic.twitter.com/Yqe2oHinLG
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) January 29, 2019
Saddened by the demise of #GeorgeFernandes ji - a stalwart of Indian politics, an able administrator and above all, a people’s person.
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) January 29, 2019
Anguished and saddened by the passing away of former Defence Minister George Fernandes, a voice of the marginalised and a fiery parliamentarian whose political leadership strengthened our Democracy. My heartfelt condolences to his friends and family in this fateful hour
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) January 29, 2019
Anguished to learn about the demise of George Fernandes ji. His political persona left an indelible mark on several significant political events over decades. He also held several important ministerial portfolios in the Union cabinet over time.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 29, 2019
Saddened by the demise of former Defence Minister George Fernandes. An able administrator, a distinguished politician, his contribution towards strengthening democracy will be etched in the hearts & minds of Indians forever. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. Om Shanti??
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) January 29, 2019
पूर्व केंद्रीय मंत्री, प्रख्यात समाजवादी एवं प्रखर मजदूर नेता जॉर्ज फर्नान्डिस जी का निधन दुःखद। ईश्वर उनकी आत्मा को शांति दें। राज्य सरकार द्वारा दो दिनों का राजकीय शोक घोषित किया गया।https://t.co/5NAfqYKhAV
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) January 29, 2019
Sad to know about the passing away of former Defence Minister and veteran leader George Fernandes sahib. May his near and dear ones bear the loss with courage
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 29, 2019
Shri. George Fernandes was one of the finest Defence Ministers of India. He introduced the culture of Soldier First, into the Ministry. He left an indelible mark in every aspect of public life that he was involved in. My condolences on his demise.
— Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) January 29, 2019
Very saddened at the passing away of former Defence Minister and much admired trade unionist, George Fernandes Ji. I have known him for decades. My condolences to his family and admirers
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 29, 2019
पूर्व रक्षा मंत्री श्री जॉर्ज फर्नांडिस के दुखद निधन का समाचार मिला. भारतीय राजनीति में उनका योगदान अविस्मरणीय रहेगा। ईश्वर उनकी आत्मा को शांति दे।
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) January 29, 2019
पूर्व केन्द्रीय मंत्री तथा प्रख्यात संघर्षशील श्रमिक नेता श्री जॉर्ज फर्नांडिस जी के निधन पर गहरा दुःख पहुंचा। स्व. जॉर्ज फर्नांडिस जी एक समर्पित नेता थे। भारत सरकार के मंत्री के रूप में उन्होंने अपने दायित्वों का कुशलतापूर्वक निर्वहन किया।
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 29, 2019
YSRCP Chief and leader of the opposition Andhra Pradesh also expressed his condolences on the passing away of the former Union Minister in a tweet.
YSR Congress President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed his grief over the demise of former union minister Sri George Fernandez. With the death of the veteran leader the nation has lost a staunch Socialist who stood for morals and values. #RIPFernandez
— YSR Congress Party (@YSRCParty) January 29, 2019
