'Giant-killer' to 'striking George', how Fernandes went on to defend India

Former defence minister George Fernandes, aged 88, passed away today after a prolonged battle with various illnesses including Alzheirmer's Disease, leaving behind a rich legacy of contributions

A firebrand trade unionist and socialist, George Fernandes belonged to a rare bunch of political leaders who rose above caste, religious and regional identities to leave an indelible mark on Indian politics.

Born in Mangalore in a Christian family in 1930, he was a staunch anti-Congress leader. His tie-up with the BJP in mid 1990s was crucial in ending the saffron party's isolation in alliance politics as many 'secular' parties followed his cue and propelled it to power twice under Atal Bihari Vajpayee's leadership.

His underground crusade against the Emergency catapulted him among the leading opposition figures. A photograph of Fernandes, with