The 88-year-old political stalwart, George Fernandes who served as a trade unionist, journalist, agriculturist, former defense minister and a member of the Rajya Sabha from Bihar passed away at New Delhi on Tuesday.
Image source: The Hindu
The family is awaiting Mr. Fernandes’ son, Sean Fernandes’ arrival from the United States to proceed with funeral arrangements. The funeral is scheduled to be held in New Delhi.
George Fernandes had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
“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 06:42 AM on January 29th, 2019.”
Max Healthcare Hospital
The National Democratic Alliance government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee had Mr. Fernandes as the Defence Minister when India fought the Kargil War in 1999. India conducted the nuclear test at Pokhran in 1998 during during his tenure.
He was the key member of the Janata Dal and founder of Samata Party. His last tenure as a member of parliament in Rajya Sabha was between August 2009 and July 2010.
Mr. Fernandes defeated former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1977 under the Jan Sangh government as Industry Minister.
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