Former President Pranab Mukherjee’s last rites were performed at the Lodhi Crematorium in the national Capital on Tuesday. His son Abhijit Mukherjee performed his last rites in the presence of friends and family. The former President was consigned to flames with full military honours, under restrictions for Covid-19.
The mortal remains of the late ex-President were taken to the crematorium in a hearse van, instead of a normal gun carriage, keeping Covid-19 protocols in consideration.
Several political leaders, including President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi paid their last respects to the former President.
“Paid tributes to respected Pranab Mukherjee. He would be remembered by generations for his efforts towards India’s progress,” Modi tweeted.
The demise of the former President was also condoled by the Union Cabinet. The Union Cabinet said the country has lost an outstanding parliamentarian and a distinguished leader. Headed by Prime Minister, the Cabinet also observed two minutes of silence in the memory of Mukherjee.
“Joined the Union Cabinet meeting via video conferencing in presence of the Prime Minister to express profound sorrow on the sad demise of former President of India Pranab Mukherjee,” Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted.
Mukherjee passed away on August 31 at the age of 84 in Delhi’s Army’s Research and Referral Hospital. There was a decline in his medical condition on Tuesday morning, due to which he suffered a septic shock caused by lung infection. He had been admitted to the hospital on August 19 and underwent a brain surgery for a blood clot removal. On the same day later, he also tested positive for coronavirus.
The Government has announced a seven-day State mourning from August 31 to September 6 after Mukherjee’s demise, as a mark of respect to the departed dignitary.
Mukherjee served as the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017. Prior to that, Mukherjee also served as the Union Finance Minister from 2009-2012, before being elected as the President. Mukherjee was also the recipient of India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 2019, which was awarded to him by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind.