George Fernandes passes away: Nation condoles death of former Union minister

Despite being a staunch critic of the RSS, Fernandes joined the BJP-led NDA government under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1998 and 1999, in which he was appointed the defense minister. Under his stewardship, India fought the Kargil war in 1999. It was also during his tenure that India conducted nuclear test at Pokhran in 1998.

He was also the industries minister under the Janata Party government which had defeated former Prime Minster Indira Gandhi in 1977. Soon he was at loggerheads with industrialists and demanded that Coca-Cola and IBM comply with foreign ownership regulations, which forced them to shut down their operations and quit India.

Former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah also paid tributes to Fernandes.

"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 tweeted.

"Today we mourn the loss of a titan. He represented an era of leaders who were true statesmen and not just politicians," Mehbooba said.

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at #GeorgeFernandes' residence to pay last respects today. pic.twitter.com/5gcM8ANgNn

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2019

Union minister and Dalit leader Ramdas Athawale described the death of Fernandes as the "descension of a star of the socialist movement".

Athawale also praised Fernandes for giving permission to his party, the RPI, to hold a rally at the Race Course in Pune in 1998 when the former was the Defence Minister.

Athawale said only the rallies of late Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi were allowed at the Race Course till then.

"Fernandes also used to respect Dr BR Ambedkar a lot. He had formed the Samata Party," Athawale said in a statement.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao Tuesday expressed grief over the demise of former Union Minister and veteran leader George Fernandes.

Rao remembered the contribution of late Fernandes as a trade union leader and Union Defence Minister, a release from the CM's office said.

He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the near and dear of the departed soul, it said.

Condoling the death of George Fernandes, BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday said he stood steadfastly to protect the country's democratic values and his political persona left an indelible mark on India's political history.

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

His stint in public offices saw him make some defining changes, particularly Railways. The most abiding memories of Fernandes ji are those of his fierce opposition to the emergency in 1975. He stood steadfastly to protect India’s democratic values.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) 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

Deeply saddened at passing away of former Union minister & stalwart leader George Fernandes. It is a great loss for the nation both politically as well as intellectually. Pray for his soul to rest in peace and my condolences for his family & followers. #RIPGeorgeFernandes

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) January 29, 2019

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami hailed George Fernandes as a "multi-faceted" personality. "He was a multi-faceted personality, being a politician, trade union leader and journalist. He was a good administrator and a hard working person who was affable to all," the CM said in a statement. "The demise of former Union minister George Fernandes is a great loss for India," he added and extended his sympathies to the departed leader's family and supporters.

The CPI also condoled the death of the former Union minister, recalling the departed leader's contributions as a trade unionist. "He (Fernandes) led many trade union movements. As a socialist leader, he contributed a lot. But, unfortunately,... he joined the BJP and supported the rightist politics, though he did not become a part of it. However, his contribution is to be remembered," CPI General Secretary S Sudhakar Reddy was quoted as saying by PTI. "I convey my heartfelt condolences at the demise of Fernandes," he said. Reddy recalled that he had worked with Fernandes in the Parliament during 2004-2009.

#WATCH Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar breaks down while talking about #GeorgeFernandes pic.twitter.com/dJQqykTFxy

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2019

After paying her tributes to the deceased Janata Dal leader, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "Shri Fernandes will also be remembered as one of the most fearless trade union leaders who worked tirelessly for the welfare of people. He was an epitome of humility in public life and a true champion of democracy."

Shri Fernandes will also be remembered as one of the most fearless trade union leaders who worked tirelessly for the welfare of people. He was an epitome of humility in public life and a true champion of democracy.@nsitharaman 2/2

— Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) January 29, 2019

"The country will remember his stellar leadership during the Pokhran Nuclear tests and his role as an incisive Defence Minister in the Kargil War," the Defence Ministry tweeted.

Smt @nsitharaman pays last respects to Former Raksha Mantri Shri George Fernandes. The country will remember his stellar leadership during the Pokhran Nuclear tests and his role as an incisive Defence Minister in the Kargil War. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/sysiURCaHy

— Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) January 29, 2019

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman pays tribute to #GeorgeFernandes at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/5IhTcrcdXv

— ANI (@ANI) 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

Former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha said, "It is very sad news. He was like an elder brother to me. Our association started when I had joined the Janata party. When I met him, I felt I was meeting my hero. He was a simple man. He did a lot of work in the Defence Ministry."

Former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha on #GeorgeFernandes: It is very sad news. He was like an elder brother to me. Our association started when I joined Janata party. When I met him I felt I was meeting my hero. He was a simple man. He did a lot of work in the Defence Ministry. pic.twitter.com/jEjRTKMJgV

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2019

. @DefenceMinIndia expresses deep condolences on passing away of the former Raksha Mantri George Fernandes. Responsible for the defence of the Country between 1998 - 2004, Mr Fernandes will be remembered for his bold decisions towards strengthening the forces. pic.twitter.com/Kzi4G8dgfN

— Defence Spokesperson (@SpokespersonMoD) January 29, 2019

Pawar said, "We have lost a leader who was a fighter and dedicated his life to the cause of workers, labourers and common people of India. He was my close friend, I have lost my senior colleague in public life."

We have lost a leader who was a fighter and dedicated his life to the cause of workers, labourers and common people of India. He was my close friend, I have lost my senior colleague in public life. pic.twitter.com/2JbnSKAjBV

— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) January 29, 2019

He was one of the best Parliamentarians and also made his mark as an able administrator during his stint as Union Minister of Industry and later Defence. He was an influential and fluent orator having a command on many languages. pic.twitter.com/rCO3l7biqw

— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) January 29, 2019

"In 1949, he came to Mumbai and became a Mumbaikar. He plunged into workers' movement, voicing their concerns and fighting for justice. He was instrumental in setting up workers union in Mumbai Municipal Corporation and also organised railway strikes," Pawar said.

In 1949, he came to Mumbai and became a Mumbaikar. He plunged into workers' movement, voicing their concerns and fighting for justice. He was instrumental in setting up workers union in Mumbai Municipal Corporation and also organised railway strikes.

— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) January 29, 2019

NCP chief Sharad Pawar also expressed grief over the demise of his friend George Fernandes and paid rich tributes to him, lauding his fiery oratory and his contributions as Union minister and trade union leader. In his message, Pawar hailed Fernandes for "strengthening and giving new direction" to the workers' (labour) movement.

I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of George Fernandes, an unflinching leader who gave new strength and direction to workers' movement in India.

— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) January 29, 2019

Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said, "Deeply saddened by the death of Shri. George Fernandes. He had championed the cause of socialist movements. He was not just my partner in political movements but also assumed the role of my elder brother to guide me. My deepest condolences to his family, friends &well-wishers."

Deeply saddened by the death of Shri. George Fernandes. He had championed the cause of socialist movements. He was not just my partner in political movements but also assumed the role of my elder brother to guide me. My deepest condolnces to his family,friends &well-wishers pic.twitter.com/cxqZShx6YH

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) January 29, 2019

#GeorgeFernandes was a true socialist ,scrupulously honest and never compromised his values at the altar of power. Today we mourn the loss of a titan. He represented an era of leaders who were true statesmen and not just politicians. pic.twitter.com/1k5It7pXzD

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) 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," the vice president said.

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

He was a champion of civil rights. He was among several leaders, who were imprisoned during the Emergency for their fight against the draconian measure. #GeorgeFernandes ??

— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) January 29, 2019

Apart from being a leading politician, he was also a journalist and an agriculturist. He always stood for the rights of the downtrodden and relentlessly fought for their welfare. #GeorgeFernandes ?

— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) January 29, 2019

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said, "Extremely saddened to learn about the passing away of former Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes. Shri Fernandes was a fighter for working class, a trade unionist, an upright politician, an able administrator, a great parliamentarian and above all was a good human being Indeed, he was multi-faceted personality."

Shri Fernandes was a fighter for working class, a trade unionist, an upright politician, an able administrator, a great parliamentarian and above all was a good human being Indeed, he was multi-faceted personality. #GeorgeFernandes ?? pic.twitter.com/JhJ8gZTjJV

— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) January 29, 2019

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari also offered his condolences to Fernandes. He said, "I offer my condolences at his passing away. He had committed his life to the country. He fought for justice for trade unions. I considered him an icon."

George Fernandes was my hero, India has lost a son. Shraddhanjali ! pic.twitter.com/Yqe2oHinLG

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) 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

"Deeply saddened by the passing away of India’s former Defence Minister George Fernandes. 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," Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted.

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

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi also condoled the demise of the former Union minister. "I am sorry to hear about the passing away of former Parliamentarian and Union Minister, George Fernandes Ji. My condolences to his family and friends in this time of grief," he posted on Facebook.

"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," PM Modi said.

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

"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," PM Modi added.

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

Remembering him as “the best of India’s political leadership", PM Modi said, “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 (George) was among the most effective voices for the rights of the poor and marginalised. 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

Former Union Minister George Fernandes passed away today at the age of 88 following a prolonged illness. The former defence minister was bedridden for the past few years. As the news of the former defence minister’s demise spread, tributes and condolences poured in from all quarters for the Janata Dal leader.