State funeral for former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee (1935 – 2020); PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi pay last respects

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**Mukherjee with former PM John Key on his 2016 New Zealand visit: picture credit RNZ**

India’s former President (2012-17) Pranab Mukherjee’s funeral took place in New Delhi on Tuesday with full military honours. He was 84. His body was taken to his official home in Delhi, 10 Rajaji Marg, for people to pay their last respects. President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited his residence and paid their last respects. The former President, who had tested positive for the coronavirus, died on Monday, weeks after his brain surgery. The Indian Government and many state governments have announced seven-day official mourning.

“During his political career that spanned decades, Shri 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. As India’s President, Shri 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. His wise counsel on key policy matters will never be forgotten by me. I was new to Delhi in 2014. From Day 1, I was blessed to have the guidance, support and blessings of Shri Pranab Mukherjee. I will always cherish my interactions with him. Condolences to his family, friends, admirers and supporters across India. Om Shanti,” Indian Prime Minister noted in his message.

– TIN Bureau