A firebrand <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-defence-minister-george-fernandes-dead-at-88-193568">trade unionist</a> and socialist, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/george-the-giant-killer-five-interesting-facts-about-george-fernandes-193572">George Fernandes</a> 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 his shock of unkempt hair, raising a manacled hand in defiance remains one of the most enduring images of those times.

Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan, Fernandes' colleague for years in several socialist parties, said his unimpeachable commitment to democracy and willingness to go to any length to propagate his cause was an inspiration to him and many others during the Emergency.

Fernandes entered the electoral politics with a bang after he, as the Samyukta Socialist Party candidate, defeated seasoned Congress leader S K Patila in Bombay South constituency in 1967.

An active trade unionist, he was involved in the railway strike in 1974, which disrupted train services across the country and invited a massive government crackdown.

He later shifted his political base to Muzaffarpur in Bihar and won the election from there in 1977.

He was appointed the industries minister in the Janata Party government, and his tenure was marked with multinational firms Coca Cola and IBM shutting down their Indian operations as he pushed hard government regulations.

Long a trenchant critic of the BJP and its ideological parent Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh, he warmed up to its top leaders L K Advani and Vajpayee as the national politics saw the rise of regional chieftains, including Lalu Prasad in Bihar.

It is believed that he played a key role in bringing Nitish Kumar, who like Fernandes had begun drifting away from Prasad, then Bihar chief minister, to the BJP-led alliance after the 1995 assembly polls in the state.

He became the defence minister in the Vajpayee government and it was under his tenure that the nuclear test in Pokhran was conducted in 1998 and India fought the Kargil war against Pakistan in 1999.

With Alzheimer's disease afflicting him, he was out of the public eye for close to a decade as his family members nursed him at home.

Some will say that it was, in a way, a fitting end to his political career when he fought a lonely battle from Muzaffarpur in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls after his party JD(U) denied him a ticket as Alzheimer's hit him.

Sadly, it was one electoral battle he lost.&nbsp;

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.

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 his shock of unkempt hair, raising a manacled hand in defiance remains one of the most enduring images of those times. Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan, Fernandes' colleague for years in several socialist parties, said his unimpeachable commitment to democracy and willingness to go to any length to propagate his cause was an inspiration to him and many others during the Emergency. Fernandes entered the electoral politics with a bang after he, as the Samyukta Socialist Party candidate, defeated seasoned Congress leader S K Patila in Bombay South constituency in 1967. An active trade unionist, he was involved in the railway strike in 1974, which disrupted train services across the country and invited a massive government crackdown. He later shifted his political base to Muzaffarpur in Bihar and won the election from there in 1977. He was appointed the industries minister in the Janata Party government, and his tenure was marked with multinational firms Coca Cola and IBM shutting down their Indian operations as he pushed hard government regulations. Long a trenchant critic of the BJP and its ideological parent Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh, he warmed up to its top leaders L K Advani and Vajpayee as the national politics saw the rise of regional chieftains, including Lalu Prasad in Bihar. It is believed that he played a key role in bringing Nitish Kumar, who like Fernandes had begun drifting away from Prasad, then Bihar chief minister, to the BJP-led alliance after the 1995 assembly polls in the state. He became the defence minister in the Vajpayee government and it was under his tenure that the nuclear test in Pokhran was conducted in 1998 and India fought the Kargil war against Pakistan in 1999. With Alzheimer's disease afflicting him, he was out of the public eye for close to a decade as his family members nursed him at home. Some will say that it was, in a way, a fitting end to his political career when he fought a lonely battle from Muzaffarpur in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls after his party JD(U) denied him a ticket as Alzheimer's hit him. Sadly, it was one electoral battle he lost.

George Fernandes rose above identity divide to leave an indelible mark on national politics

Former defence minister George Fernandes died Tuesday morning at the age of 88. The news was broken by his family.&nbsp;

Fernandes had been unwell for some time. He had been suffering from Alzheimer's and PTI reported his family as saying he had recently contracted swine flu.&nbsp;

Fernandes served as defence minister from 1998 to 2004 in the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. As defence minister, he oversaw India's 1998 nuclear tests at Pokhran, Rajasthan and the limited war India fought against Pakistan in Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir in 1999.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Former Samata Party president Jaya Jaitley said Tuesday that Fernandes's last rites will be performed on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"He had expressed his wished earlier to be cremated but during his last days, he said he wanted to be buried. So, we will cremate the body and bury the ashes, to fulfil both his wishes," she added.&nbsp;

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Social activist &amp; former Samata Party president Jaya Jaitly: Last rites of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeorgeFernandes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GeorgeFernandes</a> to be held tomorrow, after the arrival of his son. Right now, the body is being embalmed. <a href="https://t.co/ZHahmmvpb3">pic.twitter.com/ZHahmmvpb3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1090114656931336192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from outside <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeorgeFernandes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GeorgeFernandes</a>'s residence in Delhi. He passed away today morning at the age of 88; Social activist &amp; former Samata Party president Jaya Jaitly present at the residence. <a href="https://t.co/CF4gMzTDuS">pic.twitter.com/CF4gMzTDuS</a>
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Fernades was born in Mangalore, Karnataka.&nbsp;He had at one time been training to become a priest before moving to trade union politics.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/george-the-giant-killer-five-interesting-facts-about-george-fernandes-193572">5 interesting facts about 'George the Giant Killer'</a>

He won his first Lok Sabha election in 1967.&nbsp;

He organised a nationwide railway strike in 1974.&nbsp;

He was arrested during the Emergency and charged with conspiring to blow up railway tracks. He contested the 1977 elections from jail — he had by then become an anti-Emergency hero — winning the Muzaffarpur constituency in Bihar by a landslide, and was made industries minister in the Janata Party government headed by Morarji Desai.&nbsp;

He went on to found the Samata Party.&nbsp;

Fernandes also served as railway minister in the VP Singh government from 1989 to 1990.&nbsp;

Fernandes stepped down as Vajpayee's defence minister in 2004 after the "coffin gate" scandal broke out. He was however later absolved by two commissions of inquiry.&nbsp;

The Tehelka scandal also cast a long shadow over his term in office.&nbsp;

Fernandes's death was condoled Tuesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

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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) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1090098808141369344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"George Sahab represented the best of India’s political leadership," Modi said. "Saddened by his passing away," he added.&nbsp;

Former defence minister George Fernandes died Tuesday morning at the age of 88. The news was broken by his family. Fernandes had been unwell for some time. He had been suffering from Alzheimer's and PTI reported his family as saying he had recently contracted swine flu.

Former defence minister George Fernandes died Tuesday morning at the age of 88. The news was broken by his family. Fernandes had been unwell for some time. He had been suffering from Alzheimer's and PTI reported his family as saying he had recently contracted swine flu. Fernandes served as defence minister from 1998 to 2004 in the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. As defence minister, he oversaw India's 1998 nuclear tests at Pokhran, Rajasthan and the limited war India fought against Pakistan in Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir in 1999. Former Samata Party president Jaya Jaitley said Tuesday that Fernandes's last rites will be performed on Wednesday. "He had expressed his wished earlier to be cremated but during his last days, he said he wanted to be buried. So, we will cremate the body and bury the ashes, to fulfil both his wishes," she added. Social activist & former Samata Party president Jaya Jaitly: Last rites of #GeorgeFernandes to be held tomorrow, after the arrival of his son. Right now, the body is being embalmed. pic.twitter.com/ZHahmmvpb3 — ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2019 × #Visuals from outside #GeorgeFernandes's residence in Delhi. He passed away today morning at the age of 88; Social activist & former Samata Party president Jaya Jaitly present at the residence. pic.twitter.com/CF4gMzTDuS — ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2019 × Fernades was born in Mangalore, Karnataka. He had at one time been training to become a priest before moving to trade union politics. Also read: 5 interesting facts about 'George the Giant Killer' He won his first Lok Sabha election in 1967. He organised a nationwide railway strike in 1974. He was arrested during the Emergency and charged with conspiring to blow up railway tracks. He contested the 1977 elections from jail — he had by then become an anti-Emergency hero — winning the Muzaffarpur constituency in Bihar by a landslide, and was made industries minister in the Janata Party government headed by Morarji Desai. He went on to found the Samata Party. Fernandes also served as railway minister in the VP Singh government from 1989 to 1990. Fernandes stepped down as Vajpayee's defence minister in 2004 after the "coffin gate" scandal broke out. He was however later absolved by two commissions of inquiry. The Tehelka scandal also cast a long shadow over his term in office. Fernandes's death was condoled Tuesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 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 × "George Sahab represented the best of India’s political leadership," Modi said. "Saddened by his passing away," he added.

Former defence minister George Fernandes dead at 88 

George Fernandes had been studying to become a Roman Catholic&nbsp;priest&nbsp;when he found himself drawn to trade union politics. He went on to become one of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-defence-minister-george-fernandes-dead-at-88-193568">leading lights of the socialist movement</a> of India's 1970's.&nbsp;

He won his first Lok Sabha election in 1967. He organised a nationwide railway strike in 1974.&nbsp;

He was jailed during the Emergency and charged with conspiring to blow up railway tracks. He won Bihar's Muzaffarpur Lok Sabha seat in the 1977 elections from jail, and was made industries minister in the Janata Party government.&nbsp;

He also served as railway minister in the VP Singh government, and as defence minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.&nbsp;

He was also the founder of the Samata Party.&nbsp;

From novice priest to socialist firebrand, trade union leader to wanted man on the run — here are five interesting facts about George Fernandes.

Sent to become a priest, he became a trade union leader

Fernandes was born in Mangaluru in 1930 and was training to be a Roman Catholic priest when he got attracted towards trade union politics. In 1949, he moved to Bombay where he joined the socialist trade union movement. Becoming a trade union leader, Fernandes organised many strikes and bandhs in Bombay in the 1950s and 1960s while working with the Indian Railways. In 1974, he organised a nationwide railway strike, when he was President of the All India Railwaymen's Federation where the entire nation was brought to a halt.

George the Giant Killer

Fernandes's first shot at glory came in 1967 when the flamboyant politician was offered a ticket by the Samyukta Socialist Party to contest the general elections. He stood against the veteran Congress leader SK Patil and defeated the Congress strongman in his Bombay South parliamentary constituency. After his victory, he earned the nickname “George the Giant Killer".

Became a Sikh man, recited Gita during the Emergency

Sporting a turban and a beard, George Fernandes assumed the guise of a Sikh man to evade arrest during the Emergency and recited the Gita to inmates while being imprisoned in Tihar Jail in that era, according to a colleague of the veteran socialist leader, who was arrested along with him.&nbsp;

"Police were on the lookout for us. But, we not only went into hiding but continued to operate. To escape arrest, George had assumed the avatar of a Sikh man, with a turban and a beard, and had grown long hair. He used to call himself 'Khushwant Singh' after the noted author," a fellow jail inmate of Fernandes's said.&nbsp;

The most enduring image of the Emergency

Fernandes in handcuffs raising his hand in defiance became one of the most enduring images of the Emergency era.&nbsp;The emergency was in effect from June 25, 1975, until it was withdrawn in March 1977.&nbsp;

Drove out Coca-cola&nbsp;

During his tenure as Union Minister for Industries, he drove American multinationals IBM and Coca-Cola out of the country, due to investment violations. George Fernandes came up with a policy for multinational industries requiring them to find Indian partners. Many agreed, but Coca-Cola refused as it had to share its secret recipe with its Indian partner.

(With inputs from agencies)

George Fernandes had been studying to become a Roman Catholic priest when he found himself drawn to trade union politics. He went on to become one of the leading lights of the socialist movement of India's 1970's.

George Fernandes had been studying to become a Roman Catholic priest when he found himself drawn to trade union politics. He went on to become one of the leading lights of the socialist movement of India's 1970's. He won his first Lok Sabha election in 1967. He organised a nationwide railway strike in 1974. He was jailed during the Emergency and charged with conspiring to blow up railway tracks. He won Bihar's Muzaffarpur Lok Sabha seat in the 1977 elections from jail, and was made industries minister in the Janata Party government. He also served as railway minister in the VP Singh government, and as defence minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. He was also the founder of the Samata Party. From novice priest to socialist firebrand, trade union leader to wanted man on the run — here are five interesting facts about George Fernandes. Sent to become a priest, he became a trade union leader Fernandes was born in Mangaluru in 1930 and was training to be a Roman Catholic priest when he got attracted towards trade union politics. In 1949, he moved to Bombay where he joined the socialist trade union movement. Becoming a trade union leader, Fernandes organised many strikes and bandhs in Bombay in the 1950s and 1960s while working with the Indian Railways. In 1974, he organised a nationwide railway strike, when he was President of the All India Railwaymen's Federation where the entire nation was brought to a halt. George the Giant Killer Fernandes's first shot at glory came in 1967 when the flamboyant politician was offered a ticket by the Samyukta Socialist Party to contest the general elections. He stood against the veteran Congress leader SK Patil and defeated the Congress strongman in his Bombay South parliamentary constituency. After his victory, he earned the nickname “George the Giant Killer". Became a Sikh man, recited Gita during the Emergency Sporting a turban and a beard, George Fernandes assumed the guise of a Sikh man to evade arrest during the Emergency and recited the Gita to inmates while being imprisoned in Tihar Jail in that era, according to a colleague of the veteran socialist leader, who was arrested along with him. "Police were on the lookout for us. But, we not only went into hiding but continued to operate. To escape arrest, George had assumed the avatar of a Sikh man, with a turban and a beard, and had grown long hair. He used to call himself 'Khushwant Singh' after the noted author," a fellow jail inmate of Fernandes's said. The most enduring image of the Emergency Fernandes in handcuffs raising his hand in defiance became one of the most enduring images of the Emergency era. The emergency was in effect from June 25, 1975, until it was withdrawn in March 1977. Drove out Coca-cola During his tenure as Union Minister for Industries, he drove American multinationals IBM and Coca-Cola out of the country, due to investment violations. George Fernandes came up with a policy for multinational industries requiring them to find Indian partners. Many agreed, but Coca-Cola refused as it had to share its secret recipe with its Indian partner. (With inputs from agencies)

George Fernandes: 5 interesting facts about 'George the Giant Killer'

Leaders cutting across party lines on Tuesday hailed former Defence Minister and socialist leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/george-fernandes-rose-above-identity-divide-to-leave-an-indelible-mark-on-national-politics-193625">George Fernandes</a> as a fearless and upright politician who fought for protecting democracy and raised his voice for the rights of the poor and marginalised.

Fernandes "epitomised simple living and high thinking", said President Ram Nath Kovind who was joined by Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders in condoling the demise of Fernandes on Tuesday at the age of 88.

In pics:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-life-and-times-of-george-fernandes-193711"> Life and times of former defence minister George Fernandes</a>

Recalling Fernandes' contribution, Prime Minister Modi said he was a simple, humble, frank and fearless leader who never deviated from his political ideology and resisted the Emergency tooth and nail.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/george-fernandes-minister-who-drove-coca-cola-out-of-india-193654">George Fernandes, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/george-fernandes-minister-who-drove-coca-cola-out-of-india-193654">minister</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/george-fernandes-minister-who-drove-coca-cola-out-of-india-193654"> who drove Coca-Cola out of India</a>

Fernandes was suffering from Alzheimer's disease, which had forced him out of the public eye several years ago, and had recently contracted swine flu.

"Distressed to learn of the passing of Shri George Fernandes, who served India in many capacities, including as Defence Minister. He epitomised simple living and high thinking. And was a champion of democracy, during the Emergency and beyond. We will all miss him," President Kovind said.

Describing Fernandes as a "fighter" for the working class, Vice President Naidu said he was a "multi-faceted personality"

"Shri Fernandes was a fighter for working class, a trade unionist, an upright politician, an able administrator, a great parliamentarian and above all was a good human being," he said.

In a series of tweets, Modi said, "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."

"When we think of 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," he said.

"A visionary railway minister and a great defence minister who made India safe and strong. 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," the PM said.

Former President Pranab Mukherjee said he was pained by the demise of his longtime friend in the opposition and colleague in Parliament.

BJP chief Amit Shah said the socialist leader stood steadfastly to protect the country's democratic values and his political persona left an indelible mark on country's political history.

"The most abiding memories of Fernandes ji are those of his fierce opposition to the Emergency in 1975. He stood steadfastly to protect India's democratic values," Shah said.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi also condoled the demise of former defence minister George Fernandes.

Veteran BJP leader LK Advani recalled his long association with Fernandes and described him as a fearless and forthright leader who always fought for justice.

He "took up the cause for the poor and was a very effective parliamentarian," Advani said in a statement.

Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh, in his condolence message, said Fernandes was an indefatigable fighter all his life for the freedom of expression, though, justice and liberty for all.

"His life and works shall always remain a forceful inspiration for the people even after his demise. He was a true socialist leader not only in his views but also in his down-to-earth style and personality," he said.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar lauded Fernandes' fiery oratory and his contributions as Union minister and trade union leader.

Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Fernandes was a much-admired trade union leader.

Odisha Chief Minister and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik said it is a great loss for the country, politically as well as intellectually.

Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan said Fernandes "held kept aloft the beacon of democracy in the darkest hour of the Emergency".

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami condoled the demise of the former defence minister, hailing him as a "multi-faceted" personality.

The CPI also paid tributes to Fernandes, recalling his leader's contributions as a trade unionist.

Condolences poured in from all quarters in Bihar, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who was a long-time associate of Fernandes, declaring a two-day state mourning.

Jailed RJD supremo Lalu Prasad tweeted, "Extremely saddened to hear about the demise of socialist leader, freedom fighter and former Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes".

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi said on Twitter, "A great fighter and symbol of anti-Congressism. An architect of an alliance between BJP and Samata Party which led to falling of RJD rule in Bihar. As convenor of NDA played an important role in Ataljis government. Nobody can match George. RIP".

Former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah also paid tributes to Fernandes.

"Rest in peace George Fernandes Sahib. You were a tireless crusader fighting for the voiceless, the marginalised &amp; for those that needed someone in their corner. You called a spade a spade &amp; did so unabashedly. You were always a friend &amp; well wisher of the people of J&amp;K. God speed," Omar tweeted. 
"Today we mourn the loss of a titan. He represented an era of leaders who were true statesmen and not just politicians," Mehbooba said.&nbsp;

Leaders cutting across party lines on Tuesday hailed former Defence Minister and socialist leader George Fernandes as a fearless and upright politician who fought for protecting democracy and raised his voice for the rights of the poor and marginalised.

Leaders cutting across party lines on Tuesday hailed former Defence Minister and socialist leader George Fernandes as a fearless and upright politician who fought for protecting democracy and raised his voice for the rights of the poor and marginalised. Fernandes "epitomised simple living and high thinking", said President Ram Nath Kovind who was joined by Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders in condoling the demise of Fernandes on Tuesday at the age of 88. In pics: Life and times of former defence minister George Fernandes Recalling Fernandes' contribution, Prime Minister Modi said he was a simple, humble, frank and fearless leader who never deviated from his political ideology and resisted the Emergency tooth and nail. Also read: George Fernandes, minister who drove Coca-Cola out of India Fernandes was suffering from Alzheimer's disease, which had forced him out of the public eye several years ago, and had recently contracted swine flu. "Distressed to learn of the passing of Shri George Fernandes, who served India in many capacities, including as Defence Minister. He epitomised simple living and high thinking. And was a champion of democracy, during the Emergency and beyond. We will all miss him," President Kovind said. Describing Fernandes as a "fighter" for the working class, Vice President Naidu said he was a "multi-faceted personality" "Shri Fernandes was a fighter for working class, a trade unionist, an upright politician, an able administrator, a great parliamentarian and above all was a good human being," he said. In a series of tweets, Modi said, "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." "When we think of 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," he said. "A visionary railway minister and a great defence minister who made India safe and strong. 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," the PM said. Former President Pranab Mukherjee said he was pained by the demise of his longtime friend in the opposition and colleague in Parliament. BJP chief Amit Shah said the socialist leader stood steadfastly to protect the country's democratic values and his political persona left an indelible mark on country's political history. "The most abiding memories of Fernandes ji are those of his fierce opposition to the Emergency in 1975. He stood steadfastly to protect India's democratic values," Shah said. Congress President Rahul Gandhi also condoled the demise of former defence minister George Fernandes. Veteran BJP leader LK Advani recalled his long association with Fernandes and described him as a fearless and forthright leader who always fought for justice. He "took up the cause for the poor and was a very effective parliamentarian," Advani said in a statement. Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh, in his condolence message, said Fernandes was an indefatigable fighter all his life for the freedom of expression, though, justice and liberty for all. "His life and works shall always remain a forceful inspiration for the people even after his demise. He was a true socialist leader not only in his views but also in his down-to-earth style and personality," he said. NCP chief Sharad Pawar lauded Fernandes' fiery oratory and his contributions as Union minister and trade union leader. Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Fernandes was a much-admired trade union leader. Odisha Chief Minister and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik said it is a great loss for the country, politically as well as intellectually. Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan said Fernandes "held kept aloft the beacon of democracy in the darkest hour of the Emergency". Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami condoled the demise of the former defence minister, hailing him as a "multi-faceted" personality. The CPI also paid tributes to Fernandes, recalling his leader's contributions as a trade unionist. Condolences poured in from all quarters in Bihar, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who was a long-time associate of Fernandes, declaring a two-day state mourning. Jailed RJD supremo Lalu Prasad tweeted, "Extremely saddened to hear about the demise of socialist leader, freedom fighter and former Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes". Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi said on Twitter, "A great fighter and symbol of anti-Congressism. An architect of an alliance between BJP and Samata Party which led to falling of RJD rule in Bihar. As convenor of NDA played an important role in Ataljis government. Nobody can match George. RIP". Former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah also paid tributes to Fernandes. "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," Omar tweeted. "Today we mourn the loss of a titan. He represented an era of leaders who were true statesmen and not just politicians," Mehbooba said.

President Kovind, PM Modi hail George Fernandes as fearless, indefatigable fighter

In 1977, George Fernandes became Industry Minister in the Morarji Desai government post-Emergency and was responsible for driving multinational drink manufacturer Coca-Cola out of India.&nbsp;

It is another matter the drink made a re-entry into India later.&nbsp;

That year, Fernandes decided to throw Coke (as well as IBM) out of India because the soft drinks company was refusing to adhere to a particular provision of what was then the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA).

This provision stipulated that foreign companies should dilute their equity stake in their Indian associates to 60 per cent if they wanted to continue to operate in the country.

Fernandes announced in Parliament that the Coca‐Cola Company had been asked to transfer 60 per cent of the shares of its Indian company and the formula for its concentrate to Indian shareholders or cease operations in India.&nbsp;

Coca‐Cola said that it was agreeable to transferring a majority of the shares but not the formula, which it contended was a trade secret.

Officials from George Fernandes's office, however, asserted Coca-Cola's role in the Indian economy was so insignificant that its exit would not make any difference.

It was then that George Fernandes introduced a substitute indigenous drink called 77 and said it was ready to take over the Indian market.

It left India and did not return for nearly two decades. By which time, the economic situation had undergone a major transformation. More importantly, the particular provision in FERA had been diluted completely.

(With inputs from agencies)

In 1977, George Fernandes became Industry Minister in the Morarji Desai government post-Emergency and was responsible for driving multinational drink manufacturer Coca-Cola out of India.

In 1977, George Fernandes became Industry Minister in the Morarji Desai government post-Emergency and was responsible for driving multinational drink manufacturer Coca-Cola out of India. It is another matter the drink made a re-entry into India later. That year, Fernandes decided to throw Coke (as well as IBM) out of India because the soft drinks company was refusing to adhere to a particular provision of what was then the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA). This provision stipulated that foreign companies should dilute their equity stake in their Indian associates to 60 per cent if they wanted to continue to operate in the country. Fernandes announced in Parliament that the Coca‐Cola Company had been asked to transfer 60 per cent of the shares of its Indian company and the formula for its concentrate to Indian shareholders or cease operations in India. Coca‐Cola said that it was agreeable to transferring a majority of the shares but not the formula, which it contended was a trade secret. Officials from George Fernandes's office, however, asserted Coca-Cola's role in the Indian economy was so insignificant that its exit would not make any difference. It was then that George Fernandes introduced a substitute indigenous drink called 77 and said it was ready to take over the Indian market. It left India and did not return for nearly two decades. By which time, the economic situation had undergone a major transformation. More importantly, the particular provision in FERA had been diluted completely. (With inputs from agencies)

George Fernandes: Minister who drove Coca-Cola out of India