Governor Baby Rani Maurya, chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and Vidhan Sabha speaker Prem Chand Agrawal expressed grief at the demise of former defence minister George Fernandes.
The governor expressed deep grief at the demise of Fernandes. In her condolence message, the governor said that in addition to his tenure as the defence minister, Fernandes fulfilled his various public, social and political responsibilities while making valuable contribution in the service of the nation.
In his condolence message, the chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said that Fernandes was a leader connected to the ground. He had efficiently discharged his responsibilities as the union defence minister. Fernandes had a special identity as a dedicated leader of workers. He always raised the issues related to the rights and welfare of labourers and hard working sections. Terming his demise as an irrepairable loss for the nation, the chief minister said that with this a chapter of socialist thought had ended.
The Vidhan Sabha speaker and Rishikesh MLA Prem Chand Agrawal, in his condolence message recalled that Fernandes had gained popularity for his struggle against the emergency imposed on the nation. He was an activist for citizens rights. It was during his tenure as the defence minister that the nation conducted the Pokhran test and fought the Kargil war. Agrawal said that the demise of Fernandes marks the end of an era in Indian politics. He was a great leader who always raised his voice in favour of the poor, labourers and exploited people, said the speaker in his condolence message.