Prez, PM were among the dignitaries to pay the last respect
New Delhi: The mortal remains of former President and Bharat Ratna recipient Pranab Mukherjee was taken to Lodhi Crematorium from his residence, 10 Rajaji Marg in New Delhi where the funeral took place with military honours.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu were among the dignitaries to pay the last respect.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and the chiefs of the three services also paid homage to the former president.
The 84-year-old Pranab Mukherjee was admitted after testing positive for coronavirus died yesterday.
Pranab Mukherjee was admitted to the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital on August 10, underwent life-saving brain surgery on the same day.
In order to mark respect to the departed leader, the Union Cabinet condoled and expressed profound sorrow at the sad demise of Pranab Mukherjee. “Cabinet also observed silence for 2 minutes in his memory,” MHA said.
Union Home Minister paid tribute to Pranab Mukherjee by saying, “It’s a sad day that Pranab Mukherjee isn’t among us anymore. He had expertise in taking everyone together. When in power, he always struck a balance with those in opposition. When in opposition, he never stepped away from playing a constructive role.”
Taking due care of the COVID-19 protocol, the body of the former President was taken for last rites in a hearse van instead of the gun carriage.
