Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee condoles demise of Fernandes

New Delhi: Former Union defence minister George Fernandes passed away at the age of 88 on Tuesday morning following a prolonged illness, his family sources said.

Following the news of his demise, in a series of tweets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Fernandes was the among the most effective voices for the rights of poor and marginalised.

“A fiery trade union leader, a visionary railways minister and a great defence minister,” PM Modi further tweeted.

The Prime Minister also recalled his pivotal role in fighting against the Emergency declared by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the mid-1970s.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi also condoled the demise of former defence minister George Fernandes.  “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,” Gandhi said in a Facebook post.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday condoled the demise of former union minister George Fernandes, saying he was a much admired trade union leader.

“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,” the Trinamool Congress leader tweeted.