New Delhi: Former defence minister George Fernandes’s death attracted a unanimous outpouring of grief and tributes from leaders cutting across party lines.
Leading the tributes was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who penned a poignant testimonial to the veteran leader in a series of tweets as news of the 88-year-old’s death broke.
Calling Fernandes as one of the most effective voices for the rights of the poor and marginalized, the PM said he was “saddened by his passing away."
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
Remembering “George Sahab" as the best of India’s political leadership, Modi described the anti-emergency crusader frank and fearless, forthright and farsighted.
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
Fernandes, who served as the defence minister in the NDA government headed by Atal Bihari Vajpyee between 1998 and 2004, had been crippled by illness and had withdrawn from public life for the last decade.
Hailing him as the most “fiery trade union leader" and a “great defence minister", PM Modi said, “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.— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2019
President of India Ram Nath Kovind,in a tweet,said Fernandes epitomised simple living and high thinking, adding that he was a "champion of democracy, during the Emergency and beyond."
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
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who had denied a party ticket to him from Muzaffarpur, which could have ensured his tenth term as a Lok Sabha member, also offered his deepest condolences. "He was a fiery trade union leader who fought for justice. May his soul rest in peace. My thoughts are with his family," he said.
Meanwhile, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi decided to offer condolences through a Facebook post. "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," he said.
Soon after, tributes from other senior political leaders from all frays started pouring on Twitter.
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
श्रमिकों के हितचिंतक जार्ज फ़र्नाडिस के देहवसान से समाजवादी युग का अवसान हो गया है। वह जीवनभर समाज के अंतिम पंक्ति में खड़े व्यक्ति के लिए संघर्षरत रहे।अन्त्योदय को अभ्युदय बनाना ही उनके प्रति सच्ची श्रद्धांजलि होगी।— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) 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
George Fernandes ji's passing away marks an end of an era that cannot be filled soon. May God give his family and followers the strength to endure this loss. My deepest condolences.— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 29, 2019
Fernandes, who served as the defence minister in the NDA government headed by Atal Bihari Vajpyee between 1998 and 2004, had been crippled by illness and had withdrawn from public life. His last stint as a parliamentarian was as Rajya Sabha MP between August 2009 and July 2010.
A native of Mangaluru, George Fernandes was the founder of the Samata Party. He rose to fame as an anti-Emergency crusader and civil rights activists and served as a Union Minister in the Janata Party government headed by Morarji Desai that came to power in 1977 to 1980.
Fernandes stepped down as the Defence Minister in 2004 after ‘coffin gate’ broke out. He was later absolved by two commissions of inquiry
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