George Fernandes passes away after prolonged illness

Fernandes held the defence ministry portfolio from 2001 to 2004 under the government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government. he also held the portfolios of communications, industry and railways under various governments. He was a key member of the Janata Dal and later founded the Samata Party in 1994, which later merged with Janata Dal (United).