4 years ago
New Delhi:
Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee, elder statesman and one of the country's most respected politicians, has died at 84. The former President, who tested positive for coronavirus, had been in coma after a brain surgery earlier this month.
This morning, the army hospital in Delhi had reported a decline in his condition. He had gone into septic shock due to his lung infection, the Army's Research and Referral Hospital had said.
Mr Mukherjee was admitted to hospital on August 10 and had surgery the same day for the removal of a clot in the brain. He had tested positive for COVID-19 in hospital.
He developed a lung infection and a renal dysfunction over the past few days, according to doctors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to pay tribute, saying he was blessed to have Pranab Mukherjee's guidance since he took office.
Here are the highlights after Pranab Mukherjee's death:
Indian Army, Air Force pay tribute to Pranab Mukherjee
Indian Army paid tributes to former President Pranab Mukherjee, who died at 84 today.
"General MM Naravane and all ranks of Indian Army pay heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Shri Pranab Mukherjee, our erstwhile Supreme Commander," Indian Army said in a tweet.
"Indian Air Force pays tribute and conveys heartfelt condolences at passing away of former President of India and Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee. Our prayers are with the family at this time of grief," said Indian Air Force in a tweet.
"Lost A Great Friend": Nepal President, PM Mourn Pranab Mukherjee's Death
Expressing grief over the death of former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said the country has lost a good friend.
Incumbent President of Nepal Bidhya Devi Bhandari who welcomed Mr Mukharjee during his state visit to Nepal in 2016 said Nepal has lost a good friend.
"I am saddened by the tragic death of former President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee today. On behalf of the Nepali people, the Government of Nepal and myself, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the people of India, the Government of India and the bereaved families. Since his death, Nepal has lost a good friend," President Bhandari tweeted.
Extremely saddened to hear about the demise of Former President & Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee
- Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) August 31, 2020
He was an unparalleled mentor whose doors were always open for all. His unparalleled legacy will be remembered for generations
Deepest condolences to his bereaved family ॐ शांति pic.twitter.com/3lKhGs1fqe
Pranab Mukherjee Was "True friend of Israel", Says Israeli President
Describing former president Pranab Mukherjee as a "true friend of Israel", Israeli President Reuven Rivlin expressed his condolences at his death, saying he helped strengthen the ties between the two countries.
"Israel stands with the people of India and the family of former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee in mourning his passing," President Rivlin wrote in a tweet.
Centre announces seven days of state mourning
The government said as a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, seven days state mourning will be observed throughout India from today till September 6, both days inclusive.
During the period of state mourning, the National Flag will fly at half mast on all buildings throughout India, where it is flown regularly, and there will be no official entertainment.
Country has lost one of its greatest leaders: Manmohan Singh
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh expressed condolences on the death of former president Pranab Mukherjee and said the country has lost one of its greatest leaders.
Mr Singh said he had learnt a lot from Pranab Mukherjee and depended on him a great deal for his wisdom, vast knowledge and experience of public affairs.
"In his death, our country has lost one of its greatest leaders of Independent India. He and I worked very closely in the government of India and I depended on him a great deal for his wisdom, vast knowledge and experience of public affairs," Mr Singh said.
LK Advani mourns death of "longtime and close colleague"
Senior BJP leader LK Advani said he was deeply saddened over the death of his "longtime and close colleague" Pranab Mukherjee and noted that the reflective nature of the late leader combined with his long and varied experience in public life made him a statesman who was admired by people across the political spectrum.
In a statement, Mr Advani said though he and Pranab Mukherjee belonged to different ideologies but a mutual bond of respect was formed between them from their first meeting.
Describing Pranab Mukherjee as a friend, Mr Advani said the death of the late leader was "a huge loss to the nation".
Bihar Chief Minister mourns death of Pranab Mukherjee
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, his deputy Sushil Kumar Modi and leaders of the state, mourned the death of former president Pranab Mukherjee.
Mr Kumar in his condolence message called the former president "Ajatshatru of politics" who was equally respected by both ruling and opposition, an official release said. Ajatshatru means a person who has no enemies.
Mr Mukherjee was a renowned politician, efficient administrator and eloquent speaker and his death marked the end of an era and a "personal loss" for him, the Bihar chief minister said.
"Deeply saddened: Sachin Tendulkar on Pranab Mukherjee's death
Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar mourned the death of former President Pranab Mukherjee and said that the late leader served the country "passionately" for several decades.
"Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee. He served India passionately for several decades. My condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace," Mr Tendulkar tweeted.
Pranab Mukherjee Was Like A Guide To RSS: Mohan BhagwatRashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat condoled the death of former President Pranab Mukherjee and described him as a "guide" for the Sangh and said he didn't believe in political untouchability.
Pranab Mukherjee served country with exemplary dedication: Lok Sabha Speaker
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has condoled the death of former president Pranab Mukherjee and said that he served the nation with exemplary dedication.
In a statement, the Speaker said that Pranab Mukherjee's experience in parliamentary and administrative matters was unmatched.
"I'm deeply saddened by the passing away of former President Bharat Ratna Pranab Mukherjee. In his more than five decades-long public life, he served the nation with exemplary dedication. His experience in parliamentary and administrative matters was unmatched, a quality which manifested itself in his extraordinary work ethic," he said.
One of the many occasions I had to meet Pranab da.I always found our interactions to be memorable. His encyclopaedic memory meant he always had an anecdote to make the point under discussion.The last of a generation of politicians able to reach out across the political aisle. RIP pic.twitter.com/y711VNjrxE
- Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) August 31, 2020
Shivraj Singh Chouhan says India "lost her virtuous and devoted son"
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan condoled the death of former President Pranab Mukherjee, saying the Mother India has lost her "virtuous and devoted son".
"Deeply saddened to hear that former president Shri Pranab Mukherjee is no more. Today, mother India has lost her virtuous and devoted son. I pray to god for peace to the departed soul and strength to the family to bear this profound sorrow," Mr Chouhan tweeted.
"My deepest condolences": Rahul Gandhi on Pranab Mukherjee's death
"With great sadness, the nation receives the news of the unfortunate demise of our former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee. I join the country in paying homage to him," Rahul Gandhi says.
With great sadness, the nation receives the news of the unfortunate demise of our former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee.
- Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 31, 2020
I join the country in paying homage to him.
My deepest condolences to the bereaved family and friends. pic.twitter.com/zyouvsmb3V
Amit Shah says Pranab Mukherjee left behind a huge void in Indian polity
Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep anguish over the death of former President Pranab Mukherjee, saying he has left a huge void in the Indian polity.
The home minister said Pranab Mukherjee's life will always be cherished for his impeccable service and indelible contribution to the motherland.
"Deeply anguished on the passing away of former President of India, Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee ji. He was a vastly experienced leader who served the nation with utmost devotion. Pranab da's distinguished career is a matter of great pride for the entire country," Mr Shah tweeted.
"Passing of an era": President Kovind condoles Pranab Mukherjee's death
President Ram Nath Kovind extends his condolences after Congress veteran and India's former president Pranab Mukherjee died at a Delhi hospital.
"Sad to hear that former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee is no more. His demise is passing of an era. A colossus in public life, he served Mother India with the spirit of a sage. The nation mourns losing one of its worthiest sons. Condolences to his family, friends and all citizens," President Kovind tweeted.
The President recalled the journey of Pranab Mukherjee, stating that in his five-decade-long illustrious public life, he remained rooted to the ground irrespective of the exalted offices he held.
"You led a full, meaningful life": Former President's daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee
"সবারে আমি প্রনাম করে যাই"
- Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) August 31, 2020
I bow to all🙏
Baba, taking the liberty to quote from your favourite poet to say your final goodbye to all.
You have led a full, meaningful life in service of the nation, in service of our people.
I feel blessed to have been born as your daugher. pic.twitter.com/etYfZXzZ1j
"A towering statesman": PM Modi's tribute to Pranab Mukherjee
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted a lengthy tribute to Pranab Mukherjee, praising the former President as "scholar par excellence (and) a towering statesman" whose loss would be felt deeply.
The Prime Minister said he had been "blessed" with Mr Mukherjee's guidance and support at the start of his first term - back in 2014 - when, PM Modi said he was "new to Delhi".
"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," Prime Minister Modi tweeted Monday afternoon, minutes after Mr Mukherjee's death was announced.
"With a heavy heart": Pranab Mukherjee's son Abhijit Mukherjee tweets
"With a Heavy Heart , this is to inform you that my father Shri Pranab Mukherjee has just passed away inspite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital and prayers, duas and prarthanas from people throughout India ! I thank all of You," his tweeted.
With a Heavy Heart , this is to inform you that my father Shri #PranabMukherjee has just passed away inspite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital & prayers ,duas & prarthanas from people throughout India !
- Abhijit Mukherjee (@ABHIJIT_LS) August 31, 2020
I thank all of You 🙏
