Veteran Congress Leader Oscar Fernandes Passes Away at 80

Oscar Fernandes dies at 80

Tuesday, 14th September 2021

Former Union Minister and veteran Congress leader Oscar Fernandes passed away in a private hospital in Mangaluru on Monday afternoon according to sources. He was 80.

Fernandes is survived by his wife and two children. The Prime Minister expressed his grief over the loss of the stalwart and said, “Saddened by the death of RajyaSabha MP Shri Oscar Fernandesji. In this sad hour, my thoughts and prayers are with his family and well - wishers. May his soul rest in peace.”

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed his anguish over the loss of the veteran leader and offered condolences to the bereaved family. Stating this as a personal loss, Rahul wrote in a tweet, “It is a personal loss for me. He was a guide and mentor to many of us in the Congress party. He will be missed and fondly remembered for his contributions.”

The octogenarian was a staunch party member, a loyalist and a close confidante of the Gandhi family throughout his political career.

Fernandes had been admitted in the hospital earlier this year in July after taking a fall while doing yoga at his residence. He underwent a surgery after doctors detected an internal injury.

The politician represented the Udupi constituency in the LokSabha five times and was also elected to the RajyaSabha four times since 1998. He had a glorious political career spanning five decades behind him. He started off in 1980 after being elected to the Lower House. Subsequently, he won from the same constituency in the years 1984, 1989, 1991 and 1996.

Fernandes was also the Union Minister for Labour and Employment from 2006 to 2009. He then served in various capacities, including NRI affairs, Statistics and Programme Implementation in the UPA-II government led by Manmohan Singh.

Born on March 27, 1941 to RoqueFernandes and LeonissaFernandes, Oscar Fernanded did his initial education at St Cecily’s convent school and later went to Board high school and MGM College, Udupi.

The News Talkie Bureau

Source

India.com