Former Def Min George Fernandes Passes Away; Condolences Pour In

Video Editor: Purnendu Pritam
Video Producer: Debayan Dutta

Former Defence Minister George Fernandes passed away at the age of 88 on Tuesday, 29 January. Fernandes had served as the Defence Minister in the Vajpayee government, and his last stint as an active politician was as a Rajya Sabha MP in August 2009 and July 2010.

Tributes Pour in For Fernandes on Twitter

Tributes poured in on social media as people remembered Fernandes’ contributions to the country in all capacities and roles that he had held in the government over the years.

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Frank and fearless, forthright and farsighted, he made a valuable contribution to our 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.

— 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

“Distressed to learn of the passing of Shri George Fernandes, who served India in many capacities, including as Defence Minister,” wrote the President of India on Twitter.

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

Politicians, Journalists Offer Condolences

I’m sorry to hear about the passing of former Parliamentarian & Union Minister, George Fernandes Ji.

My condolences to his family and friends in this time of grief.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 29, 2019

Congress President Rahul Gandhi offered condolences to the family and friends of the former Defence Minister.

Very sad to hear about George Fernandes’ demise. He was a very good friend in his later years. Earlier we had ideological. differences due to his being socialist and I for market based economy but we were united in opposing TDK and residual Nehru family.

— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) January 29, 2019

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

George the giant killer was never slayed in life.. only death could silence the voice of a defiant contrarian.. one of the most charismatic politicians of his generation, embodied the spirit of a romantic era of street fighting politics.. George Fernandes RIP

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) January 29, 2019

Saddened to hear news of the passing away of former Defence Minister George Fernandes. He was imprisoned during Emergency in Baroda Dynamite case, but won the Lok Sabha poll from Muzaffarpur while in jail. My deepest condolence to his family members.

— Rajat Sharma (@RajatSharmaLive) January 29, 2019

Heartfelt condolences on the passing away of former Defence Minister Sh. George Fernandes. My thoughts and prayers are with his family...May his soul rest in peace.

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) January 29, 2019

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

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

"One should learn from the past, but one should not live in the past. My concern is to look to the future, learn from the past, and deal with the present."
- #GeorgeFernandes

The national has lost a veteran political fighter. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/i0frvozoYV

— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) January 29, 2019

Just spoke to his brother Michel's wife Dona, she said George Fernandes passed away in Delhi today morning. Condolences to the family. https://t.co/ETSLBfu9lL

— Dhanya Rajendran (@dhanyarajendran) January 29, 2019

George Fernandes no more. Former Defence Minister in Vajpayee government, George Fernandes passes away at the age of 88.https://t.co/QRH5HvXtuv

— Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) January 29, 2019

Former Defence Minister George Fernandes no more. He will be always remembered for his ground level connection, a strong trade union leader, a seasoned parliamentarian, an extraordinary defence minister. His contribution to Indian politics is phenomenal. #RIPGeorgeFernandes

— Vinit Goenka (@vinitgoenka) January 29, 2019

George Fernandes, RiP.

Former Defence Minister in Vajpayee government passes away at the age of 88.https://t.co/2Aax56xH9D

— PKR پراشنٹو প্রশান্ত (@prasanto) January 29, 2019

George Fernandes is no more. A firebrand leader from Mangalore made Bihar his home and reached top. Rest in peace Sir.

— DP SATISH (@dp_satish) January 29, 2019

RIP George Fernandes Ji pic.twitter.com/G4YI9cIP46

— Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga (@TajinderBagga) January 29, 2019

Former Defence Minister of Vajpayee govt Sri George Fernandes passes away at 88.

One of the few Honest Indian politicians who faced fake allegation levelled by Congress and media, a stalwart of Indian politics who stood against the emergency.

He'll be missed forever, Om Shanti! pic.twitter.com/hn1gcK5YHr

— Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) January 29, 2019

Sad to hear about the demise of Our former Defence Minister George Fernandes ji.May his soul rest in peace. ‘Om Shanti ‘🙏

— Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) January 29, 2019

Feel terrible hearing about #GeorgeFernandes saab's passing 😢. One of the boldest leaders India has known.
Condolences @Jayajaitly & friends.https://t.co/GXAJxWojLD

— Anuraag Saxena (@anuraag_saxena) January 29, 2019