Business Standard

'Giant-killer' to 'striking George', how Fernandes went on to defend India

Former defence minister George Fernandes, aged 88, passed away today after a prolonged battle with various illnesses including Alzheirmer's Disease, leaving behind a rich legacy of contributions

Former defence minister George Fernandes
Premium

File photo of Former defence minister George Fernandes passed away at the age of 88, in New Delhi on Tuesday morning, Jan 29, 2019.

Agencies New Delhi
A firebrand trade unionist and socialist, George Fernandes belonged to a rare bunch of political leaders who rose above caste, religious and regional identities to leave an indelible mark on Indian politics.

Born in Mangalore in a Christian family in 1930, he was a staunch anti-Congress leader. His tie-up with the BJP in mid 1990s was crucial in ending the saffron party's isolation in alliance politics as many 'secular' parties followed his cue and propelled it to power twice under Atal Bihari Vajpayee's leadership.

His underground crusade against the Emergency catapulted him among the leading opposition figures. A photograph of Fernandes, with

What you get on BS Premium?

  • Unlock 30+ premium stories daily hand-picked by our editors, across devices on browser and app.
  • Pick your 5 favourite companies, get a daily email with all news updates on them.
  • Full access to our intuitive epaper - clip, save, share articles from any device; newspaper archives from 2006.
  • Preferential invites to Business Standard events.
  • Curated newsletters on markets, personal finance, policy & politics, start-ups, technology, and more.
VIEW ALL FAQs

Need More Information - write to us at assist@bsmail.in