RIP George Fernandes: PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi, others shower tributes to former Defence Minister

As the nation is shocked by the demise of former Defence Minister Gorge Fernandes, tributes and condolences poured in on social media as people recall his valuable contribution to Indian politics.

Fernandes had served as the Defence Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government. (Image: Twitter)

New Delhi: As the nation is shocked by the demise of former Defence Minister Gorge Fernandes, tributes and condolences poured in on social media as people recall his valuable contribution to Indian politics. As per reports, Fernandes passed away today morning after being bedridden for the past few years. “We are saddened to announce the passing of Shri George Fernandes early this morning. Mr. Fernandes was attended to at his home by a Max Healthcare team, which found him unresponsive and declared him dead at 06:42AM on January 29th, 2019,” read the official statement from Max Healthcare Authorities. As soon as the news came into light, various political leaders including PM Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi Subramanian Swamy, Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot and others took to Twitter and expressed grief on the same. PM Modi took to Twitter and condoled the demise of former Union minister and termed him as ‘the best of India’s political leadership. “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,” PM Modi tweeted. “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 wrote further. PM Modi also lauded Fernandes’ dedication for his political ideology. “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,” he said further. Here's how various political leaders showered tributes for Fernandes on Twitter:

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

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

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

Very sad to know about the road accident in #Ujjain, #MadhyaPradesh which has claimed lives of 12 people. My deepest sympathies with the family members of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to the injured.

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) January 29, 2019

Saddened by the demise of #GeorgeFernandes ji - a stalwart of Indian politics, an able administrator and above all, a people’s person.

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) January 29, 2019

#GeorgeFernandes Deeply saddened on his demise. My association with him was for more than four decades. He was a role model for me. He always fought for d welfare of labour class & under privileged classes. His contribution in Indian politics & Parliament will never be forgotten.

— SHARAD YADAV (@SharadYadavMP) January 29, 2019

Extremely saddened to hear about the demise of socialist leader, fighter & former Defence Minister Shri. #GeorgeFernandes Sahab.

I extend my deep condolences to his family and May God rest his soul in peace. We will miss him — Lalu Prasad Yadav (@laluprasadrjd) January 29, 2019

Fernandes had served as the Defence Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government and his last stint as an active politician was as a Rajya Sabha MP in August 2009 and July 2010.