Mangaluru : The ashes of former defence minister George Fernandes, who was cremated earlier in New Delhi, were buried at the St Francis Xavier Church crematorium, Bejai, here on Saturday.

He was cremated on Thursday and part of his remains buried on Friday in the national capital.

At the prayer service, Lancelot Pinto, corporator, Bejai, said the public demand to rename the Bejai New Road after the veteran leader had been well received by MLA D Vedavyas Kamath and local leaders. This will be discussed at the Mangaluru City Corporation’s council meet, he said.

Michael Fernandes, George’s brother, however, suggested that a bigger road be named after the deceased leader. He said their grandmother Margaret Pinto’s house was earlier located in Bejai New Road, but not anymore. Hence, he did not see a point in attributing George’s name to the road.

Calling George as one among the three legendary figures in modern Indian politics – the other two being former prime minister Atal Bihari Vijapayee and former President (then scientist) APJ Abdul Kalam – Fr Robert D’Souza, principal, Lourdes Central School, Bejai, said the contribution of ‘Amar Akbar and Antony’ to the country, including the Pokhran nuclear tests in 1998 and the Kargil war in 1999 were unparalleled.

Michael and labour leader from Mumbai Felix D’ Souza earlier brought George’s funeral ashes from Delhi to Mangaluru. Nine priests offered the prayer service followed by the burial.

The Mangaluru chapter of Citizen’s Council, too, organised a public condolence meet at T V Raman Pai Convention Center, Kodialbail.