Govt offices, schools to remain shut today

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 16

Delhi government offices, schools and institutions will remain closed tomorrow as a mark of respect to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who passed away today after a prolonged battle at AIIMS here.

In the city all education institutions, including the private, those run by the civic bodies, shall remain closed, said Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia sharing an order on Twitter.

Vajpayee, perhaps the country's tallest leader who is equally known for his visionary leadership as for his being prowess in literary sphere, was admitted to AIIMS on June 11 due to a number of ailments.

“All Delhi govt offices, schools and other institutions shall remain closed tomorrow, as mark of respect for our dear departed Sh Atal ji," Sisodia tweeted.

Later in another tweet, Sisodia clarified that all educational institutions in Delhi, including government, private, MDC, NDMC, etc., shall remain closed tomorrow.

Sisodia and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had during the day visited the AIIMS to inquire about the health of the former Prime Minister.

"Am deeply saddened. A great loss for India," said Kejriwal after the announcement of Vajpayee's death.

The media adviser to the Chief Minister, Nagender Sharma, earlier said he has requested party volunteers and well-wishers to not celebrate Kejriwal's birthday.