Union minister Nitin Gadkari Tuesday said former defence minister George Fernandes was a staunch patriot and his icon.
In his condolence message, Gadkari said, "George Fernandes dedicated his life to the nation and democracy."
A staunch patriot, Fernandes fought for providing justice to workers, he said.
He guided the National Democratic Alliance as its convener and worked with (then prime minister) Atal Bihari Vajpayee successfully, the senior BJP leader said.
"We have lost a big leader... I considered him my icon. I am deeply saddened by his passing away," Gadkari said.
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