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George Fernandes 88 , the former Defence Minister and the Convenor of the NDA of the government of late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has passed away after prolonged illness . He was rippled by Alzheimer’s disease, and his last stint as a Parliamentarian was as a Rajya Sabha MP between August 2009 to July 2010.
One of the most prominent leaders of the socialist movement in the 1970s, George Fernandes was a senior Janata Dal leader before he founded 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.
As soon as the news of his George Fernandes passing away leaders across party lines paid their rich tributes :
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in three tweets paid his rich tributes
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
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
Omar Abdullah, Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister
Rest in peace George Fernandes Sahib. You were a tireless crusader fighting for the voiceless, the marginalised & for those that needed someone in their corner. You called a spade a spade & did so unabashedly. You were always a friend & well wisher of the people of J&K. God speed
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) January 29, 2019
Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister
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
Rahul Gandhi, Congress president in a facebook post wrote
Shashi Tharoor, Congress Leader and Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram
I spent one evening with George Fernandes in NY & was hugely impressed by his ideals, decency& integrity. The fiery trade unionist of my childhood had mellowed into the statesman& effective Minister. His passing away at 88 marks the end of an era. RIP https://t.co/157xBZpJ6b
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) January 29, 2019
