'Passing of an era': Leaders across party lines mourn Pranab's death
Condolences poured in from across party lines for Pranab Mukherjee, who passed away on Monday (August 31), with President Ram Nath Kovind calling his predecessor's demise the passing of an era and Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed him as a scholar par excellence.
Condolences poured in from across party lines for Pranab Mukherjee, who passed away on Monday (August 31), with President Ram Nath Kovind calling his predecessor’s demise the passing of an era and Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed him as a scholar par excellence.
The 84-year-old ex-president was hospitalised on August 10 after having tested COVID-19 positive and a surgery for the removal of a clot in his brain. He had later developed a lung infection. His son Abhijit Mukherjee announced his demise on Twitter on Monday.
Expressing grief, President Kovind said: “A colossus in public life, he (Mukherjee) served Mother India with the spirit of a sage. The nation mourns losing one of its worthiest sons. Condolences to his family, friends and all citizens.”
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
As the First Citizen, he continued to connect with everyone, bringing Rashtrapati Bhavan closer to the people. He opened its gates for public visit. His decision to discontinue the use of the honorific 'His Excellency' was historic.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 31, 2020
“As the First Citizen, he continued to connect with everyone, bringing Rashtrapati Bhavan closer to the people. He opened its gates for public visit. His decision to discontinue the use of the honorific ‘His Excellency’ was historic,” he said of his predecessor.
Prime Minister Modi hailed Mukherjee as a scholar par excellence and a towering statesman. He said the veteran Congress leader has left an indelible mark on the development trajectory of the nation and was admired across the political spectrum.
Obituary: Pranab da held the reins of power, but always for someone else
As India’s President, he said Mukherjee made the Rashtrapati Bhavan even more accessible to common citizens. “He made the President’s house a centre of learning, innovation, culture, science and literature. His wise counsel on key policy matters will never be forgotten by me,” Modi said.
I was new to Delhi in 2014. From Day 1, I was blessed to have the guidance, support and blessings of Shri Pranab Mukherjee. I will always cherish my interactions with him. Condolences to his family, friends, admirers and supporters across India. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/cz9eqd4sDZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2020
Recalling his initial days in Delhi in 2014, Modi said, “From Day 1, I was blessed to have the guidance, support and blessings of Shri Pranab Mukherjee. I will always cherish my interactions with him. Condolences to his family, friends, admirers and supporters across India. Om Shanti.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah too expressed deep anguish, saying Mukherjee’s demise has left a huge void in the Indian polity. He said Mukherjee’s life will always be cherished for his impeccable service and indelible contribution to the motherland.
Deeply anguished on the passing away of former President of India, Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee ji. He was a vastly experienced leader who served the nation with utmost devotion. Pranab da’s distinguished career is a matter of great pride for the entire country.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) 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 on the passing away of former President of India, Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee ji. He was a vastly experienced leader who served the nation with utmost devotion. Pranab da’s distinguished career is a matter of great pride for the entire country,” the home minister further said.
Obituary: Pranabda: A Nehruvian statesman, a Bengali high priest who broke stereotypes
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said: “The country has lost an elder statesman in his death. He rose from humble beginnings to occupy the country’s highest constitutional position through hard work, discipline and dedication.”
Shri Pranab Mukherjee brought dignity and decorum to every post held by him during his long & distinguished public service. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. Om Shanti!
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) August 31, 2020
“Shri Pranab Mukherjee brought dignity and decorum to every post held by him during his long & distinguished public service,” he said in a tweet.
BJP national president JP Nadda said Mukherjee served the country with diligence and was admired across party lines.
Saddened by the demise of former President and statesman Shri Pranab Mukherjee. He has served the Country in many roles with diligence and determination. He is widely admired across the parties for his intellect and perseverance . My condolences to his family and followers.
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) August 31, 2020
“Saddened by the demise of former President and statesman Shri Pranab Mukherjee. He has served the Country in many roles with diligence and determination. He is widely admired across the parties for his intellect and perseverance . My condolences to his family and followers,” Nadda said on Twitter.
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi too condoled the death of the former president and paid homage to him.
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
“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 the Congress leader.
Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mukherjee’s homestate, called him a father-figure. “It is with deep sorrow I write this. Bharat Ratna Pranab Mukherjee has left us. An era has ended. For decades he was a father figure,” she said in a tweet.
So many memories.A visit to Delhi without Pranabda is unimaginable. He is a legend in all subjects from politics to economics. Will be forever grateful. Shall miss him immensely. My condolences to Abhijit & Sharmistha (2/2)
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 31, 2020
“From my first win as MP, to being my senior Cabinet colleague, to his becoming President while I was CM so many memories. A visit to Delhi without Pranabda is unimaginable. He is a legend in all subjects from politics to economics. Will be forever grateful. Shall miss him immensely,” Banerjee wrote on Twitter.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Mother India has lost her “virtuous and devoted son”.
भारत के पूर्व राष्ट्रपति मा. श्री प्रणब मुखर्जी के निधन के समाचार को सुनकर अत्यंत दु:ख हुआ।
आज मां भारती ने अपने एक गुणी और राष्ट्र के लिए समर्पित पुत्र को खो दिया।
ईश्वर से दिवंगत आत्मा की शांति और परिजनों को यह गहन दु:ख सहन करने की शक्ति देने की प्रार्थना करता हूं।
ॐ शांति!— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) August 31, 2020
“Deeply saddened to hear that former president Shri Pranab Mukherjee is no more. Today, mother India has lost her virtuous and devoted son. I pray to god for peace to the departed soul and strength to the family to bear this profound sorrow,” Chouhan tweeted.
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has expressed deep shock over Mukherjee’s death. He said it was unfortunate that the best efforts put in by doctors for the past several weeks, to save the life of ailing former president did not succeed.
The former president also visited the Yadadri temple complex and congratulated for the renovation works going on there at the site. The CM said in Sri Pranab Mukherjee’s death there was a void in the country’s political arena, which cannot be filled.
— Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) August 31, 2020
“The former president also visited the Yadadri temple complex and congratulated for the renovation works going on there at the site. The CM said in Sri Pranab Mukherjee’s death there was a void in the country’s political arena, which cannot be filled,” said the CMO.
A veteran Congress leader and a former Union minister, Mukherjee served as India’s 13th President between 2012 and 2017. He was conferred India’s highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna by President Kovind in 2019. His wife Suvra Mukherjee died on August 18, 2015.
