Ex-Defence Minister George Fernandes Passed Away

Former Defence Minister George Fernandes died on Tuesday. Fernandes was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and he is in a coma for the past few days.

Fernandes was the Defence Minister in late and ex-PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.

During his time as the defense minister, the Kargil war episode remained as a historic event.

George Fernandes was born on 3 June 1930 in a Mangalorean Catholic family. He worked as a journalist before entering the politics.

Fernandes has written a few books such as What Ails the Socialists (1972), The Kashmir Problem, Railway Strike of 1974, Dignity for All: Essays in Socialism and Democracy (1991), and his autobiography titled George Fernandes Speaks (1991) were praised by the people.

PM Modi, President Ramnath Kovind, vice President Venkaiah Naidu and others paid their condolences.