PM Modi, other leaders condole demise of Congress leader Oscar Fernandes

New Delhi: Condolences poured in from various quarters for former Union Minister and Congress veteran Oscar Fernandes, who passed away at a hospital in Karnataka's Mangaluru on Monday. He was 80.

Condoling his demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet wrote, "Saddened by the demise of Rajya Sabha MP Shri Oscar Fernandes Ji. In this sad hour, my thoughts and prayers are with his family and well-wishers. May his soul rest in peace."

"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," Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said in his condolence message.

Gandhi said he will be missed and fondly remembered for his contributions.

Calling Fernandes "most loyal soldiers" of the party, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi said, "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."

Union Ministers - Rajnath Singh and Mukthar Abbas Naqvi have condoled the death of the Congress stalwart.

"Anguished by the passing away of Rajya Sabha MP and senior Congress leader, Shri Oscar Fernandes. Condolences to his family, friends and supporters. Om Shanti!.", Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a condolence message.

Naqvi in a tweet said, "Demise of veteran leader, former Union Minister and a symbol of simplicity, Oscar Fernandes Ji is an irreparable loss to social, cultural and political fields. My heartfelt condolences to his family and well-wishers. RIP."

"Shocked to hear the news about the demise of Shri Oscar Fernandes. We were colleagues in the Rajya Sabha for more than a decade. Deepest condolences," said Yechury. (UNI)