Former president Pranab Mukherjee passes away at 84

New Delhi: Former president Pranab Mukherjee passed away on Monday at Army's Research and Referral Hospital here, informed his son and Congress leader Abhijit Mukherjee. He was 84.

"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," his son  tweeted.

"There is a decline in the medical condition of Hon'ble Shri Pranab Mukherjee since yesterday. He is in septic shock due to his lung infection and is being managed by team of specialists. He continues to be in deep coma and on ventilator support," the Army hospital had said this morning. 

He was admitted in Hospital on August 10 in a critical condition. He had a large brain clot for which he underwent emergency life saving surgery.Mukherjee was also found to be COVID-19 positive.

PM condoles Pranab Mukherjee's demise

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condoled the demise of former president Pranab Mukherjee, saying that he left an indelible mark on the development trajectory of the nation.

"India grieves the passing away of Bharat Ratna Shri 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 and by all sections of society", the Prime Minister posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.

The former president passed away here at Army R&R Army Hospital, after prolonged illness. He was 84.

Mukherjee was admitted in the Hospital on August 10 in a critical condition. He had a large brain clot, for which he underwent an emergency life-saving surgery. He was also found to be suffering from COVID-19.

Prez describes Pranab Mukherjee as a colossus in public life

New Delhi:President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday described his predecessor Pranab Mukherjee  as "a colossus in public life" who served Mother India with the spirit of a sage.

Terming the death as the passing of an era, Mr Kovind paying tributes said "Endowed with perspicacity and wisdom, Bharat Ratna Shri Mukherjee combined tradition and modernity. In his 5 decade long illustrious public life, he remained rooted to the ground irrespective of the exalted offices he held. He endeared himself to people across political spectrum."

"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."

Expressing grief at the death, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu reacted, saying 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. Mr 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!"

The former President, who was admitted to the Army's Research and Referral Hospital in the National Capital, passed away at the age of 84.

He had been admitted to hospital for removal of a clot in the brain and later developed a lung infection.(UNI)