Pranab Mukherjee passes away at 84

New Delhi, August 31

Former president Pranab Mukherjee, one of India’s most cerebral and respected politicians, died on Monday evening following a 21-day battle with multiple ailments. He was 84.

Mukherjee, who was admitted to the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital on August 10 and was operated for a clot in the brain the same day, is survived by two sons and a daughter.

The long-time Congress leader and seven-time parliamentarian had tested positive for Covid-19 at the time of his admission and was being treated for lung infection. He had suffered a septic shock on Sunday. Doctors said he died of a cardiac arrest at 4.30 pm.

His son Abhijit Mukherjee was the first to break the news of the death of the veteran politician.

As condolences poured in for India’s 13th president, who served as the country’s first citizen from 2012 to 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind described Mukherjee’s demise as the 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,” Kovind said on Twitter.

Expressing his condolences, PM Narendra Modi described him as a scholar par excellence and a towering statesman who was admired across the political spectrum.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “With great sadness, the nation receives the news of the unfortunate demise of our former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee.”

The government on Monday announced a seven-day state mourning as a mark of respect to the departed dignitary.