Former President Pranab Mukherjee Passes Away
Former President Pranab Mukherjee passed away in Delhi today (August 31). He was 84. His son Abhijit Mukherjee informed through a tweet.
The former President was admitted to the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital on August 10 for brain surgery. He had also tested positive for COVID-19. Medical bulletins released by the hospital had stated his condition to be critical.
“Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee was admitted to Army Hospital (R&R) Delhi Cantonment at 1207 hours on 10 August 2020 in a critical condition. Workup at the hospital revealed a large brain clot for which he underwent emergency lifesaving surgery. Post surgery he continues to remain critical on ventilatory support. He was also found to be COVID-19 positive,” one of the bulletins had read.
Mukherjee had also tested positive for COVID-19 and had informed through a tweet.
“On a visit to the hospital for a separate procedure, I have tested positive for COVID19 today. I request the people who came in contact with me in the last week, to please self isolate and get tested for COVID-19,” he had tweeted.
He is survived by two sons and a daughter. His wife Suvra Mukherjee had passed away in 2015, while he was serving as the President of India.
Pranab Mukherjee served as the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017. He was also awarded with the Bharat Ratna, India’s Highest Civilian Honour in 2019.
Political Career
Born to a Bengali family in Mirati, now in the Burbhum district of West Bengal, his father actively participated in the Indian independence movement. He entered politics in 1969 after successfully managing the election campaign of an independent candidate in Midnapore by-election. Recognising his talent, Indira Gandhi offered him to join Indian National Congress.
Pranab Mukherjee became Rajya Sabha MP in July 1969. He was re-elected in 1975, 1981, 1993 and 1999.
A Gandhi family loyalist, he is credited to have shaped Sonia Gandhi’s entry into politics. He has held several government offices including Minister of Defence, Minister of External Affairs, Finance Minister and Commerce Minister.
Tributes pour in
Meanwhile tributes started pouring in for the former President.