George Fernandes passes away: Who said what

* Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

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.


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.

* Rahul Gandhi, Congress president

I’m sorry to hear about the passing away of former Parliamentarian and Union minister,

George Fernandes

Ji. My condolences to his family and friends in this time of grief.

* Rajnath Singh, Union home minister

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.

* Amit Shah, BJP president

Anguished to learn about the demise of George Fernandes ji. His political persona left an indelible mark on several significant political events over decades. He also held several important ministerial portfolios in the Union cabinet over time.

* Rajyavardhan Rathore, Union minister

Mr George Fernandes was a leader committed to the nation - principled in his politics and steadfast in his patriotism. His commitment to justice and his stellar work for the upliftment of the marginalised is unparalleled. In his demise, India has lost a fine statesman.


* Abhishek Singhvi, Congress

The nation has lost a veteran political fighter. May his soul rest in peace.


* Subramanian Swamy, BJP

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 the market-based economy but we were united in opposing TDK and residual Nehru family.

* Manohar Parrikar, Goa chief minister

George Fernandes was one of the finest defence ministers of India. He introduced the culture of Soldier First into the Ministry. He left an indelible mark in every aspect of public life that he was involved in. My condolences on his demise.

* Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal chief minister

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.

* Omar Abdullah, National Conference

Rest in peace George Fernandes Sahib. You were a tireless crusader fighting for the voiceless, the marginalised & for those that needed someone in their corner. You called a spade a spade & did so unabashedly. You were always a friend & well wisher of the people of J&K. God speed.

* Mehbooba Mufti, Peoples Democratic Party

George Fernandes was a true socialist, scrupulously honest and never compromised his values at the altar of power. Today, we mourn the loss of a titan. He represented an era of leaders who were true statesmen and not just politicians.

* Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra chief minister

With the demise of a great leader Shri #GeorgeFernandes ji, we have lost a tall leader in Indian politics.

Apart from all other achievements, he had been a trade union leader first and fought his long battle for the welfare and rights of workers and poor!

* Nitish Kumar, Bihar chief minister

I offer my deepest condolences on passing away of former defence minister George Fernandes. He was a fiery trade union leader who fought for justice. May his soul rest in peace. My thoughts are with his family.

* Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union minister

Saddened to know about the demise of great leader George Fernandes. He was an icon of the socialist movement, a great fighter for freedom and democracy during Emergency and an outstanding defence Minister of India. My deep condolences.

* Suresh Prabhu, Union minister

I offer my deepest condolences on passing away of former defence minister George Fernandes. He was a fiery trade union leader who fought for justice. May his soul rest in peace. My thoughts are with his family.

* Nitin Gadkari, Union minister

I offer condolences at his passing away. He committed his life to the country. He fought for justice for trade unions. I considered him an icon.

* N Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh chief minister

Deepest condolences on the demise of Sri George Fernandes, former Defence Minister. An able administrator and a fearless trade union leader, he committed his life to strengthening democracy and fighting against injustice.

* Siddaramaiah, Karnataka chief minister

Deeply saddened by the death of Shri. George Fernandes. He had championed the cause of socialist movements. He was not just my partner in political movements but also assumed the role of my elder brother to guide me. My deepest condolences to his family, friends &well-wishers.

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