In breaking news, former President Pranab Mukherjee drew his last breath at 84 at Delhi’s Army Research and Referral hospital on Monday. The hospital said his health began declining on Monday after a lung infection resulted in septic shock. Mukherjee, who had also tested positive for coronavirus, was admitted to the hospital on August 10.
Condolences started pouring in soon with President Ram Nath Kovind saying that Mukherjee’s demise was the “passing of an era”. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the death of veteran Congress leader.
“India grieves the passing away of Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee. He has left an indelible mark on the development trajectory of our nation. A scholar par excellence, a towering statesman, he was admired across the political spectrum and by all sections of society,” the Prime Minister said in a series of tweets.
Modi extended his condolence to Mukherjee’s family, friends, admirers and supporters across India and said he will always cherish his interactions with Mukherjee.
“I was new to Delhi in 2014. From Day 1, I was blessed to have the guidance, support and blessings of Shri Pranab Mukherjee. I will always cherish my interactions with him. Condolences to his family, friends, admirers and supporters across India. Om Shanti,” he tweeted.
The Prime Minister hailed Mukherjee’s role as the president of the country from 2012 until 2017 and said he ensured that the common masses had more access to Rashtrapati Bhavan.
“As India’s President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee made Rashtrapati Bhavan even more accessible to common citizens. He made the President’s house a centre of learning, innovation, culture, science and literature. His wise counsel on key policy matters will never be forgotten by me,” Modi tweeted.
The hospital said his health began declining on Monday after a lung infection resulted in septic shock. Mukherjee, who had also tested positive for coronavirus, was admitted to the hospital on August 10.
“With a Heavy Heart, this is to inform you that my father Shri #PranabMukherjee has just passed away in spite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital & prayers, duas & prarthanas from people throughout India! I thank all of You,” his son Abhijit Mukherjee tweeted.
