New Delhi: Former president of India, Pranab Mukherjee, passed away at the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital in the National Capital. He was 84.
Mukherjee’s condition had declined on Monday morning and he suffered a septic shock due to his lung infection, hospital authorities said.
He had been in deep coma and was on ventilator support. On August 10, Mukherjee tested positive for COVID-19.
Mukherjee was being managed by a team of specialists after having been admitted to the hospital in Delhi Cantonment on August 10 and was operated on the same day for removal of a clot in his brain. He later developed a lung infection.
Mukherjee was the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017. He had been a veteran of the Congress party before that.
Several government functionaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind have condoled his passing.
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
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
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
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
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
(With PTI inputs)