TN CM condoles demise of George Fernandes

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami Tuesday condoled the demise of former defence minister George Fernandes, hailing him as a "multi-faceted" personality.

His demise is a "great loss" to the country, the Chief Minister said.

Fernandes (88), who died Tuesday, was one of the politically important leaders in the country and had founded the Samata Party before going on to hold various posts in Janata Dal, Palaniswami said.

Fernandes was elected as Lok Sabha MP nine times and had performed efficiently, he noted.

"He was a multi-faceted personality, being a politician, trade union leader and journalist. He was a good administrator and a hard working person who was affable to all," the chief minister said in a statement.

"The demise of former Union minister George Fernandes is a great loss for India," he said and extended his sympathies to the departed leader's family and supporters.

Palaniswami also prayed for Fernandes' soul reaching the holy abode. Fernandes passed away Tuesday following a prolonged illness. He was suffering from Alzheimer's disease and had recently contracted swine flu.

The socialist leader was the defence minister in the NDA government headed by late Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Fernandes held the industry portfolio in the Jan Sangh government, which defeated Indira Gandhi in 1977.