Pranab Mukherjee laid to rest with state honours, son Abhjit conducts last rites

Former president Pranab Mukherjee was given a state funeral on Tuesday (September 1) with full military honours. Mukherjee, the 13 President of India, died on Monday (August 31), after being in a coma following brain surgery.

On Tuesday, his mortal remains were taken to his official home at 10 Rajaji Marg for people to pay their last respects.

His last rites were performed by his son Abhijit at the Lodhi Crematorium in New Delhi.

Political leaders across parties including Congress leaders Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi and Ghulam Nabi Azad and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal paid their respects to Mukherjee at his residence at 10 Rajaji Marg .

The Centre has announced seven-day official mourning in the country from August 31 to September 6 to pay homage to the former president.

“During the period of state mourning, the national flag will fly at half-mast on all buildings throughout India, where it is flown regularly, and there will be no official entertainment,” the Home Ministry said in a statement.

While Prime Minister Modi had condoled his death on Monday, Home Minister Amit Shah in a video message on Tuesday called it a sad day.

“”It’s a sad day that Pranab Mukherjee isn’t among us anymore…He had expertise in taking everyone together. When in power, he always struck a balance with those in opposition. When in opposition, he never stepped away from playing a constructive role,” ANI quoted him as saying.

Defence Ministry officials said Mukherjee’s mortal remains were taken to the crematorium in a hearse van instead of the customary gun carriage due to requirement of following COVID-related protocols.

Mukherjee, 84, was accorded the highest civilian honour of Bharat Ratna in August last year. He is survived by two sons and a daughter.