Veteran Congress leader Oscar Fernandes (80), a former Union Minister and Rajya Sabha member, died at a private hospital in Mangaluru in Karnataka on Monday. Fernandes was hospitalised in July after he suffered a head injury due to a fall while practising yoga at his home. He had also undergone a surgery to remove a clot in his brain.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish at the death of Fernandes. “Saddened by the demise of Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes Ji. In this sad hour, my thoughts and prayers are with his family and well-wishers. May his soul rest in peace.”
Congress president Sonia Gandhi, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, senior party leaders too condoled the demise of Fernandes and all remembered him as a guide and mentor. Rahul and Priyanka described Fernandes’ death as a “personal loss”.