World1 min(s) read
Published 14:09 31 Aug 2020 GMT
India's former president, Pranab Mukherjee, has died 21 days after it was confirmed that he had tested positive for Covid-19, per the BBC.
The publication reports that the 84-year-old was in hospital to have a clot in his brain removed, when it was discovered that he also had the novel coronavirus.
Mukherjee served as president between the years of 2012 and 2017. Prior to this, he held several important roles within the finance, foreign, and defense ministries during his political career, which spanned 51 years.
His son, Abhijit, confirmed his passing on Twitter.
"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 Folded hands [sic]," he wrote.
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According to The Indian Express, President Ram Nath Kovind has since issued his condolences, writing: "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. Endowed with perspicacity and wisdom, Bharat Ratna Shri Mukherjee combined tradition and modernity. In his 5 decades long illustrious public life, he remained rooted to the ground irrespective of the exalted offices he held. He endeared himself to people across the political spectrum."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi corroborated, "India grieves the passing away of Bharat Ratna 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 & by all sections of society."
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"During his political career that spanned decades, Shri Pranab Mukherjee made long-lasting contributions in key economic and strategic ministries. He was an outstanding Parliamentarian, always well-prepared, extremely articulate as well as witty," he continued. "As India’s President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee made 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."
