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Senior Congress leader, Oscar Fernandes, a prominent face of the UPA era and a minister in Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh governments, has passes away at the age of 80 at a hospital in Mangaluru.
Fernandes was hospitalised after suffering a fall while doing Yoga at his home in July this year. He was admitted in ICU following a surgery to remove a clot in his brain.
Fernandes, who began his political career as a municipal councillor in Udupi in 1975-76, was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1980 from Udupi. He would represent Udupi a total of five consecutive times (winning elections in 1980, 1984, 1989, 1991, 1996).
Fernandes served as parliamentary secretary to prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1984-85 and was considered a trusted aide of interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi.
After losing the 1999 Lok Sabha polls, Fernandes was nominated to the Rajya Sabha.
Soon tributes started pouring in on twitter
Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP
Deeply saddened by the passing of a gem of a man, a political mentor to many who approached politics in a spirit of selfless service. My profound condolences to his dear wife & soulmate Blossom, &to all in his extended Congress family who are bereaved today. @INCIndia https://t.co/VBM9iubYUO
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) September 13, 2021
Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress Chief Spokesperson
Oscar Fernandes ji was a guide, mentor, organizational builder; who connected to the Congress workers & they loved him in return.
A “banyan tree” of the Congress Party has fallen. There will perhaps never be anyone like him.
Our heartfelt homage to an eternal Congressman! pic.twitter.com/PHbl4WKy5d
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) September 13, 2021
Rahul Gandhi, Former Congress president
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Shri Oscar Fernandes Ji.
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. pic.twitter.com/NZVD592GSJ
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 13, 2021
Sachin Pilot, Congress Leader
Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Former Union Minister Shri Oscar Fernandes ji. A Congress stalwart whose contributions will always be remembered.
May the departed soul find peace.My condolences to his family and followers.
— Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) September 13, 2021
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress General Secretary, Uttar Pradesh East
Heartfelt condolences to Oscar ji’s family. You are in our hearts and prayers.
He was one of the finest, most loyal soldiers of the Congress party, we will all miss him immensely. pic.twitter.com/ulBwtHpFsP
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) September 13, 2021
