George Fernandes ( 03 June 1930 – 29 January 2019) was an Indian politician, trade unionist, and social activist. He played a prominent role in Indian politics for several decades and held various important positions in the government. Here are some key points about George Fernandes:
Early Life and Activism: George Fernandes was born in Mangalore, Karnataka. He started his political career as a trade union leader and played a crucial role in organizing workers, especially during the 1960s.
Political Career: He was associated with various political parties during his career, including the Socialist Party, Janata Dal, and later, the Samata Party. He was known for his anti-establishment stance and advocacy for the rights of workers and farmers.
Emergency Period: Fernandes was a prominent opposition figure during the Emergency (1975-1977) imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He was arrested during this period and faced charges under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA).
Railway Minister: He served as the Railway Minister of India from 1989 to 1990 and again from 1998 to 2000. He was known for his efforts to improve the Indian Railways during his tenure.
Defense Minister: George Fernandes served as the Defense Minister of India from 1998 to 2004. He played a crucial role during the Kargil War with Pakistan in 1999.
Controversies: Fernandes was associated with various controversies during his career, including the alleged corruption in defense deals, most notably the Coffin-gate scandal.
Later Years: In his later years, George Fernandes faced health issues, including Alzheimer's disease. He passed away on January 29, 2019, at the age of 88.
George Fernandes left a lasting impact on Indian politics, particularly for his role in the labor movement, opposition to the Emergency, and his contributions as a minister in the government.
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