New Delhi: Former president Pranab Mukherjee, one of India’s most cerebral and respected politicians, died Monday evening following a 21-day battle with multiple ailments. He was 84. Pranab Mukherjee was admitted August 10 to the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital. He was operated for a removal of a clot in the brain the same day. However, Pranab Mukherjee slipped into a coma and never recovered. He is survived by two sons and a daughter.
The long-time Congress leader and seven-time parliamentarian had tested positive for COVID-19 at the time of his admission. He was also being treated for a lung infection. He had suffered a septic shock Sunday due to it. Doctors said he died of a cardiac arrest at 4.30pm. His son Abhijit Mukherjee was the first to break the news of the death of the veteran politician.
“With a Heavy Heart, this is to inform you that my father Shri Pranab Mukherjee has just passed away in spite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital and prayers, duas and prarthanas from people throughout India! I thank all of You,” Abhijit he said on Twitter.
Condolences poured in for India’s 13th president, who served as the country’s first citizen from 2012 to 2017.
PNN