NEW DELHI: Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, who had tested positive for COVID-19 this month, passed away today (Monday) at the age of 84.
Earlier this month, Mukherjee had undergone brain surgery at the Army Research and Referral hospital in the national capital.
Hospital authorities today said that his condition deteriorated further and he was in a state of septic shock due to a lung infection. His death was announced by his son Abhijit Mukherjee.
“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 son Abhijit Mukherjee 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 !
I thank all of You ????— Abhijit Mukherjee (@ABHIJIT_LS) August 31, 2020
In this regard, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi while expressing grief over the loss shared a picture of him touching Mukherjee’s feet in reverence.
“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 & by all sections of society,” Modi tweeted.
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. pic.twitter.com/gz6rwQbxi6
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2020
The former college teacher and journalist lacked a grassroots political base but held more than a dozen federal portfolios between 1973 and 2012.
Mukherjee, in his long political career served as a Member of Parliament seven times, serving in the cabinet of several prime ministers. In 2012, Mukherjee was elected President of India.
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