New Delhi, January 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the passing away of former Defence Minister George Fernandes and said he represented the best of India’s political leadership. Lauding his contribution in Indian politics, the Prime Minister took to Twitter and said Fernandes was the most effective voices for the rights of the poor and marginalised. "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", the Prime Minister tweeted.
Fernandes breathed his last on Tuesday in the national capital due to prolonged illness at the age of 88. He served as the defence minister in the NDA government headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee between 1998 and 2004.
In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said, 'When we think of 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'. The Prime Minister said he was a visionary Railway Minister and a great Defence Minister who made India safe and strong.
Take a look at the 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.
Saddened by his passing away.
— 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
The Prime Minister added saying that during George's long years in public life, never deviated from 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", the Prime Minister tweeted.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 29, 2019 10:01 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).