Former President Pranab Mukherjee Dies at 84

Former resident Pranab Mukherjee died on Monday in an army hospital in New Delhi, his son Abhijit informed via Twitter. He was 84.

Mukherjee was admitted to the hospital on August 10. A health bulletin this morning said he was in a deep coma and on ventilator support.

"With a Heavy Heart, this is to inform you that my father Shri Pranab Mukherjee has just passed away in spite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital and prayers duas and prarthanas from people throughout India! I thank all of You Folded hands," 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

The former president was admitted to the hospital in the Delhi Cantonment area on August 10 and was operated the same day for removal of a clot in his brain. He later developed a lung infection.

“Sad to hear that former President Pranab Mukherjee is no more, his demise is passing of an era. The nation mourns one of its worthiest sons; Condolences to his family, friends & all citizens,” said President Ram Nath Kovind.

“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,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter.

“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,” said Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.

Mukherjee was the 13th president of India. He held office between 2012 and 2017.

With inputs from PTI