Pranab Mukherjee, Passes Away: Tested Positive for Coronavirus
Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee passed away on Monday at the age of 84. The veteran leader of Congress party, who spent more than 50yrs in politics, had undergone brain surgery at Delhi’s Army Research and Referral hospital. The hospital said his health began declining on Monday 31st august after a lung infection resulted in septic shock. Pranab Mukherjee, who had also tested positive for coronavirus, was admitted to the hospital on August 10.
Abhijit Mukherjee tweeted
“With a Heavy Heart, this is to inform you that my father Shri #PranabMukherjee has just passed away in spite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital & prayers, duas & prarthanas from people throughout India! I thank all of You,” his son Abhijit Mukherjee tweeted.
In his over 50 yrs long political career, Pranab Mukherjee held many Cabinet positions for the governments led by
- Indira Gandhi
- Rajiv Gandhi
- P V Narasimha Rao
- Manmohan Singh
His peers and friends fondly called him ‘Pranab Da’. Mukherjee was born in Birbhum district, West Bengal on December 11, 1935. He completed Masters in Political Science and History and LLB degree from University of Calcutta.
Indira Gandhi spotted Pranab Mukherjee during a by-election in Midnapore where he was V.K. Krishna Menon’s election agent. His wise management saw Menon, a Malayali contesting in West Bengal as a candidate of Congress’ rival faction Bangla Congress, win with a huge margin.
Gandhi Impressed with his political acumen, and brought him into the Congress and initiated his parliamentary journey through the Rajya Sabha in 1969. Mukherjee first became the general secretary of the Congress in 1998.
Narendra Modi wrote
“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,” wrote Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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President Ram Nath Kovind wrote in a tweet
“The nation mourns losing one of its worthiest sons. Condolences to his family, friends & all citizens.” Vice President Venkaiah Naidu also expressed grief. He said in a tweet, “He (Mukherjee) rose from humble beginnings to occupy the country’s highest constitutional position through hard work, discipline and dedication.”
Rahul Gandhi wrote
“With great sadness, the nation receives the news of unfortunate demise of Shri Pranab Mukherjee. I join the country in paying homage to him. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family and friends,” former Congress President Rahul Gandhi wrote on Twitter.
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