Expressing great shock over the demise of former President Pranabh Mukherjee, Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Monday said she learnt a lot from the Congress veteran, who brought distinction to every post he held.
In her condolence letter to Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of the former president, the Congress leader said his life over the past five decades mirrored 50 years of India's history.
"He brought distinction to every post he held. He established a genuine rapport with colleagues across the political spectrum, and he served our country with the utmost dedication," Gandhi said.
She further said, "Pranab Da had been such an integral and prominent part of national life, the Congress party and the central government for over five decades, it is hard to imagine how we can do without his wisdom, experience, sage advice and deep understanding of so many subjects."
Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi expresses her condolences to Ms Sharmistha Mukherjee on the passing away of her father, Former President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee. pic.twitter.com/qE4pXnzTxE
August 31, 2020Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, too, expressed condolences after Mukherjee's demise saying the country has lost one of its greatest leaders.
Singh said he had learnt a lot from Mukherjee and depended on him a great deal for his wisdom, vast knowledge and experience of public affairs.
"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.
Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh condoles the passing away of former President #PranabMukherjee. pic.twitter.com/G5Fp8PpFkV
August 31, 2020Mukherjee had been critically ill for some days, it still comes as a great shock to learn of his passing, said Sonia Gandhi.
Noting that she personally had so many warm memories of her working with him, she said, "I learnt so much from him. The Congress party deeply mourns his loss and will always honour his memory."
Sending her condolences to Sharmistha, her brother and other family members, Gandhi said "Pranab Da has now been released from his suffering. May his soul rest in peace".
The former President died at the Army's Research and Referral Hospital following a 21-day battle with multiple ailments. He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.
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