Pranab Mukherjee, former President of India, passes away at 84
Former Indian president and senior Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee died aged 84 in New Delhi on Monday evening, weeks after he was operated upon to remove a clot in the brain.
Mukherjee, who was on life support, had recently developed a lung infection following which his condition deteriorated, reports said.
“There is a decline in the medical condition of Hon’ble Shri Pranab Mukherjee since yesterday,” the Army Hospital, where the Congress stalwart was admitted, had reported on Monday morning.
In a deep coma since his brain surgery on August 10, Mukherjee had also tested positive for COVID-19 during treatment.
Mukherjee served as India's President between 2012 and 2017 and his political career spanned over five decades. He also held top portfolios — including Finance, Defence and Home — as a senior Congress leader. Having served a five-year term as the President, Mukherjee refused to contest again citing health concerns.
His passing on was announced through a tweet by his son, Abhijit Mukherjee.
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 !
I thank all of You 🙏— Abhijit Mukherjee (@ABHIJIT_LS) August 31, 2020
President Ram Nath Kovind led the tributes to the deceased.
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 & all citizens.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 31, 2020
Endowed with perspicacity and wisdom, Bharat Ratna Shri Mukherjee combined tradition and modernity. In his 5 decade long illustrious public life, he remained rooted to the ground irrespective of the exalted offices he held. He endeared himself to people across political spectrum
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 31, 2020
PM Narendra Modi said he was ‘blessed’ to have Mukherjee’s ‘guidance’ and ‘support’.
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. pic.twitter.com/cz9eqd4sDZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2020
Home Minister Amit Shah said he was ‘deeply anguished’ at the news.
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.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 31, 2020
Pranab Da's life will always be cherished for his impeccable service and indelible contribution to our motherland. His demise has left a huge void in Indian polity. My sincerest condolences are with his family and followers on this irreparable loss. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 31, 2020
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his condolences.
Deeply anguished by the demise of former president of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee ji. He was widely respected by the people across all sections of society.
His demise is a personal loss. He had tremendous knowledge of India’s history, diplomacy, public policy and also defence.— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 31, 2020
Pranabda epitomised simplicity, honesty and strength of character. He served our country with diligence and dedication.
His contribution to public life was invaluable. My deepest condolences to his bereaved family. Om Shanti!— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 31, 2020
Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he joined the country in paying homage to Pranab.
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.
My deepest condolences to the bereaved family and friends. pic.twitter.com/zyouvsmb3V— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 31, 2020
Here are some more tributes:
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 & loved ones. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/c7tXTSFwYw— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 31, 2020
The nation has lost a brilliant leader. Saddened to hear about the passing of Shri Pranab Mukherjee. My sincere condolences to his family. 🙏🏼
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 31, 2020
It is with deep sorrow I write this. Bharat Ratna Pranab Mukherjee has left us. An era has ended. For decades he was a father figure. From my first win as MP, to being my senior Cabinet colleague, to his becoming President while I was CM...(1/2)
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 31, 2020
So many memories.A visit to Delhi without Pranabda is unimaginable. He is a legend in all subjects from politics to economics. Will be forever grateful. Shall miss him immensely. My condolences to Abhijit & Sharmistha (2/2)
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 31, 2020
Extremely saddened to hear about the demise of Former President & Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee
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— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) August 31, 2020
Bharat Ratna Sh Pranab Mukherjee was an institution who’s five decades in public & political life built bridges.
His work shaped India’s political history & his passing away is the end of an era.
A statesman whom I admired & whose blessings I have been fortunate to receive. pic.twitter.com/zHwY3WDn7Q— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) August 31, 2020
Very sad to hear of the demise of Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee..Wonderful statesman and leader and a man who built an incredible political legacy over the years. Deepest condolences to his family🙏🏼 May his soul RIP. #PranabMukherjee pic.twitter.com/kGYpuFRUSH
— Sophie C (@Sophie_Choudry) August 31, 2020
Deepest condolences to the family of Shri Pranab Mukherjee. @CitiznMukherjee RIP. 🙏🏼
— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) August 31, 2020
Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of former President of India Bharat Ratna Pranab Mukherjee.
He had served the nation with utmost dedication. He was a true leader and inspiration to many.
My condolences to the bereaved family.
Om Shanti!#PranabMukherjee pic.twitter.com/G1tkV265RK— Biplab Kumar Deb (@BjpBiplab) August 31, 2020
A legend leaves us!
Pranab Da, one of modern India's finest leaders, a statesman and a visionary, is no more with us. His legacy shall be something to cherish forever.
My condolences.
Prayers for #PranabMukherjee 🙏 pic.twitter.com/SSXbi3RvvQ— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 31, 2020
पूर्व राष्ट्रपति, भारत रत्न श्री प्रणब मुखर्जी जी का निधन राष्ट्र की अपूरणीय क्षति है।
वह सार्वजनिक जीवन में शुचिता, पारदर्शिता एवं स्पष्टवादिता की प्रतिमूर्ति थे।
परिजनों के प्रति मेरी संवेदनाएं।
ईश्वर से प्रार्थना है कि दिवंगत आत्मा को अपने परमधाम में स्थान दें।
ॐ शांति!— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) August 31, 2020