George Fernandes vs Pranab Mukherjee

George Fernandes led the All India Railwaymen's Federation in a nationwide railway strike, demanding better wages and working conditions. The strike, involving 1.7 million workers, was crushed by the government, leading to his arrest.

George Fernandes was arrested and imprisoned during the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi. He was held for 19 months, much of it in solitary confinement, for his opposition to the government.

George Fernandes was elected to the Lok Sabha from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, as a member of the Janata Party. This election followed the end of the Emergency and the defeat of Indira Gandhi's Congress.

George Fernandes was appointed Union Minister of Defence in the Vajpayee government, serving until 2004. He oversaw the Kargil War (1999) and the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, as well as defense modernization.

George Fernandes resigned as Defence Minister after the Tehelka sting operation alleged corruption in defense deals. He was later cleared of wrongdoing by a parliamentary committee, but the scandal damaged his reputation.

Pranab Mukherjee was appointed as India's Finance Minister under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He presented several budgets and played a key role in economic policy during the 1980s.

Pranab Mukherjee served as India's External Affairs Minister from 1995 to 1996 under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. He handled India's foreign relations during a period of post-Cold War realignment.

As Finance Minister in the UPA government, Pranab Mukherjee presented the Union Budget for 2009-10, focusing on economic recovery from the global financial crisis. He introduced measures to boost growth and social welfare.

Pranab Mukherjee was elected as the 13th President of India, securing a landslide victory. He served from 2012 to 2017, becoming a respected constitutional figure known for his statesmanship.

Pranab Mukherjee was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in recognition of his distinguished service to the nation as a parliamentarian and minister. The award was announced posthumously after his death in 2020.