Bihar announces 7-day mourning to pay homage to former President Pranab Mukherjee

PATNA: The Bihar government has announced a seven-day mourning beginning Monday to pay homage to former President Pranab Mukherjee, who passed away earlier in the day. All government official functions will remain suspended. The national flag will fly half-mast at all the government buildings and installations till September 6 as a mark of respect to the departed leader.
Governor Phagu Chauhan, chief minister Nitish Kumar, deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi and leader of opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav condoled the death of Mukherjee, who was sick for quite some time.
Expressing his grief over Mukherjee’s death, Nitish in his condolence message called the former President “Ajatshatru (one who has no enemies) of politics”, who was equally respected by both ruling and opposition, an official release said.
Describing Mukherjee as a great patriot, scholar, popular leader and a renowned economist, Chauhan said the country has lost a leader par excellence. His timely guidance for the development of the state would always be remembered and people would recall him with great honour. “The void created by his demise will be difficult to fill,” he said.
Nitish said he (Mukherjee) was loved and respected by people of all sections of society. Be it opposition or the ruling parties, he was respected by politicians cutting across party lines. He will be known for establishing high standards of values in Indian politics. He served the nation as the 13th President from 2012 to 2017. He was honoured with the Bharat Ratna in 2019.
Nitish described the passing away of Mukherjee as the end of an era.