Former Defence Minister of India, George Fernandes passed away on Tuesday in New Delhi at the age of 88. He was bedridden for the past few years.

Former Samata Party leader Jaya Jaitly informed ANI, "Last rites of George Fernandes will be held tomorrow after his son arrives. Right now, the body is being embalmed."

George Fernandes served as Defence Minister between 1998 and 2004.

Fernandes was a senior member of the Janata Dal. He served as Railways minister in V P Singh government from 1989 to 1990. He was instrumental in setting up the Konkan Railway project, connecting Mangalore and Bombay.

 In 1994, after the disintegration of the Janata Party, Fernandes formed the Samata Party. It later allied with the BJP and he soon became a close confidant of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He was appointed convenor of the National Democratic Party (NDA).

Tributes and condolences poured in on social media as people recall his valuable contribution to Indian politics.

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

I’m sorry to hear about the passing of former Parliamentarian & Union Minister, George Fernandes Ji.

My condolences to his family and friends in this time of grief.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 29, 2019

George Fernandes ji served the nation in several capacities and held key portfolios like Defence and Railways at different times. He led many labour movements and fought against the injustice towards them. His tenure as Defence Minister was outstanding. May his soul rest in peace

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 29, 2019

Heartfelt condolences on the passing away of former Defence Minister Sh. George Fernandes. My thoughts and prayers are with his family...May his soul rest in peace.

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) January 29, 2019

Sad to hear about the demise of the great stalwart leader #GeorgeFernandes. He will always be remembered for his firebrand politics and his continuous fight for labour reforms. RIP sir ????

— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) January 29, 2019

My heartfelt tributes to Shri #GeorgeFernandes. He was a great leader who inspired generations through his dedication, commitment and honesty. India will miss him.

— Maheish Girri (@MaheishGirri) January 29, 2019

Very sad to hear about George Fernandes’ demise. He was a very good friend in his later years. Earlier we had ideological. differences due to his being socialist and I for market based economy but we were united in opposing TDK and residual Nehru family.

— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) January 29, 2019

Deeply saddened by the demise of former defence Minister #GeorgeFernandes
may his soul rest in peace pic.twitter.com/0EskT5Aaq5

— Chetan Chauhan (@ChetanChauhanCr) January 29, 2019