Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes passed away at the age of 80 in Karnataka on Monday. Fernandes was hospitalised after he suffered a head injury while doing Yoga at his home in July this year. Considered a trusted aide of Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Fernandes was admitted at Yenepoya Hospital in Mangaluru.
Oscar Fernandes was elected to the Lok Sabha from Karnataka's Udupi constituency in 1980. He was re-elected to the Lok Sabha in 1984, 1989, 1991 and 1996 from the same constituency. Fernandes served as Union Road Transport Minister in the UPA government.
"We are deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Oscar Fernandes ji, our heartfelt condolences to his family. A Congress stalwart, his vision for an inclusive India had a huge influence on the politics of our times. The Congress family will deeply miss his mentorship & guidance," the Congress said in a tweet.
Condoling the former Union minister's death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "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."
Oscar Fernandes is survived by his wife, son and a daughter.
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