Socialist firebrand George Fernandes (1930-2019) no more: Nation mourns Emergency hero

The most prominent face of the defiant opposition against the Indian Emergency imposed by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975-77, died this morning in New Delhi, aged 88.

Many recalled the enduring picture of a handcuffed Fernandes raising a fist while being taken to court following his arrest during the Emergency.

Picture credit: Facebook

According to reports, he died after suffering from prolonged illness.  Fernandes served as the Defence Minister during the tenure of late Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the Prime Minister of the country. He was the defence minister when India went on the Kargil War with Pakistan in 1999. He was also in the cabinet of India's first non-Congress government that served a full five-year term.

He was a key member of the Janata Dal and is the founder of the Samata Party. The latter was formed after a split in Janata Dal in 1994. Present Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar had joined him then. The party in 1996 became an ally of the BJP.

In his political tenure, he had held several ministerial portfolios including communications, industry, railways, and defence.

Reactions pour in

President Ram Nath Kovind expressed his sadness on Fernandes' death 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," he wrote.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was saddened by the passing away of "George Saab" and expressed his feelings in a series of tweets.

"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," Modi said.

"When we think of Mr. George Fernandes, we remember most notablythe 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," he 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."

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said on Facebook: "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."

The Congress chief minister in Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, said: "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."

West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee said: "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."

Odisha chief minister and BJP supremo Naveen Patnaik said: "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."

Maharashtra's BJP chief minisiter Devdndra Fadnavis said: "With the demise of a great leader Shri #GeorgeFernandes ji, we have lost a tall leader in Indian politics."

BJP leader and Union Nitin Gadkari said: "George Fernandes was my hero, India has lost a son. Shraddhanjali !"

"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," said BJP president Amit Shah. "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."