President, VP, PM, leaders of all political parties express grief over demise of veteran leader

Govt. declares 7-day State mourning as a mark of respect to departed leader

President Ramnath Kovind has condoled the death of former President Pranab Mukherjee. Mr. Kovind said, his demise is the passing of an era. A colossus in public life, he served Mother India with the spirit of a sage.

President Kovind said, the nation mourns losing one of its worthiest sons. He said, endowed with perspicacity and wisdom, Bharat Ratna Mr. 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 the political spectrum.

Mr. Kovind said, as the First Citizen, Mr.Mukherjee continued to connect with everyone, bringing Rashtrapati Bhavan closer to the people. He opened its gates for public visit. Mr. Kovind described Mr. Mukherjee’s decision to discontinue the use of the honorific ‘His Excellency’ as historic.

Vice President M. Vekaiah Naidu said, the country has lost an elder statesman in Mr. Pranab Mukherjee’s death. He rose from a humble beginning to occupy the country’s highest constitutional position through hard work, discipline and dedication. The Vice President said, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee brought dignity and decorum to every post held by him during his long and distinguished public service.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee has left an indelible mark on the development trajectory of the nation. A scholar par excellence, a towering statesman, Mr.Mukherjee was admired across the political spectrum and by all sections of society. Mr. Modi recalled that during his political career that spanned decades, Mr. 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.

Mr. Modi said, as India’s President, Mr. 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. Mr. Modi said, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee’s wise counsel on key policy matters will never be forgotten.

Govt. declares 7-day State mourning as a mark of respect to departed leader

As a mark of respect to former President Pranab Mukherjee, seven day State mourning will be observed throughout India from today till 6th September. During the period of State Mourning the National Flag will fly at half mast on all buildings throughout India, where it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment.

Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief at the passing away of former President Pranab Mukherjee. In a tweet, Mr Shah said, he was a vastly experienced leader who served the nation with utmost devotion. Mr Shah said, Pranab Da’s life will always be cherished for his impeccable service and indelible contribution to our motherland.

The Home Minister said, his demise has left a huge void in Indian polity. Mr Shah said, his sincerest condolences are with the family and followers of Mukherjee on this irreparable loss.

Expressing grief, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, Pranab da epitomised simplicity, honesty and strength of character and he served the country with diligence and dedication. The Defence Minister said, he had tremendous knowledge of India’s history, diplomacy, public policy and also defence. Mr Rajnath Singh said, Mukherjee’s demise is a personal loss.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said, today the country has lost one of its finest sons Bharat Ratna Pranab Mukherjee. Mr Javadekar said, on one of the occasions when Mukherjee was the Chief Guest for the Teachers Day ceremony in Vigyan Bhawan, he gave him a slate as a gift and he liked it very much.