Modi & Shah lead BJP netas in paying tributes to ex-Prez

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP members including home minister Amit Shah expressed grief over former President Pranab Mukherjee’s demise with Modi describing him as a scholar par excellence and a towering statesman who was admired across the political spectrum and recalling his help in his first term as PM.
Modi said Mukherjee has left an indelible mark on the nation’s development trajectory. In a series of tweets, the PM said Mukherjee in his decades-long political journey made longlasting contributions in key economic and strategic ministries and that he was an outstanding parliamentarian, always well-prepared, extremely articulate as well as witty.

The PM recalled that Mukherjee, who was President in 2014, always supported and guided him. “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,” he said.
Home minister Amit Shah said, “Deeply anguished on the passing away of former President of India, Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee ji. Pranab da’s distinguished career is a matter of great pride for the entire country.” BJP veteran L K Advani recalled Mukherjee as “Pranab Da” saying, “Although I am older, but Pranab Da was one year senior to me as a Parliamentarian.” Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “Pranab Babu- former President of India was a true statesman.”