Pranab Mukherjee Death: The last rites of the former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee who died on Monday after being in a coma for since a brain surgery earlier this month, will be held at 2.30 PM today. The veteran politician underwent brain surgery after he reportedly slipped in the bathroom and developed a blood clot in the brain. According to a report by PTI, the 84-year-old senior leader of the Indian National Congress was admitted to the hospital on August 10. He was also found to be positive for novel Coronavirus infection on the day he underwent the operation.

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Many political leaders have paid tribute to Mukherjee and offered their condolences. On hearing the news of his demise the Prime Minister Narendra Modi said " 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."

President Ram Nath Kovind, who succeeded Pranab Da as India's President in 2017, also wrote on Twitter, "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."

Union ministers Amit Shah also condoled his death and said 'Pranab Da's life will always be cherished for his impeccable service and indelible contribution to our motherland'.

Congress leaders also expressed their sadness on hearing the news of his death. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said,"I have learnt with profound sorrow about the passing away of Shri Pranab Mukherjee, former president of India. In his death, our country has lost one of its greatest leaders of Independent India. He and I worked very closely in the government of India and I depended on him a great deal for his wisdom, vast knowledge and experience of public affairs," Singh said in his condolence message.

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Mukherjee was one of the stalwart leaders of the Congress party who became one of the most trusted aides of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi after she helped Mukherjee secure a Rajya Sabha seat in the Parliament in 1969. after serving as a minister in Indira'a Cabinet in 1973, Mukherjee occupied several key posts during Manmohan Singh's government.

He held a number of key cabinet portfolios including Defence Minister (2004–06), External Affairs (2006–09), and Finance (2009–12). He continued to be the star of Congress' eye and secured UPA’s nomination for Presidency in 2012 by defeating PA Sangma by securing 70% of the electoral college vote. Congress veteran did not re-run for Presidency owing to his conditions. He also made headlines after he accepted to appear as chief guest at an RSS (Rashtriya Swayam Sevak) event.

As a 7-day State mourning is being observed, the flags at Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament will also fly at half-mast. Bangladesh has announced 1-day mourning for Pranab Mukherjee on September 2.