New Delhi: Former defence minister George Fernandes passed away early on Tuesday morning following a prolonged illness, his family sources said. He was 88.
According to reports, Fernandes was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Recently, he also contracted swine flu. Fernandes was the defence minister in the first NDA government, headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi condoled Fernandes’ death. Modi called him “frank and fearless”, stating that he made a valuable contribution to the country.
“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,” he 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.
Saddened by his passing away.
— 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,” the prime minister said.
Rahul Gandhi said he was sorry to hear about the passing away of Fernandes. “My condolences to his family and friends in this time of grief,” Gandhi said in a Facebook post.
Congress’s chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also condoled the demise of the former minister. “My condolences on the passing away of former Union Minister, Sh George Fernandes. May his soul rest in peace,” he tweeted.