Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed deep condolences on the demise of former President Pranab Mukherjee, calling him an outstanding scholar and a high-profile politician, and said he would never forget his "knowledgeable advice" on key policy issues.

In a series of tweets, Modi said that when he became Prime Minister in the year 2014, he was completely new to the politics of the Center and at this time he got the guidance of Mukherjee. Modi said that Mukherjee left an indelible mark on the development path of the nation and was respected by all political parties and all sections of society.

He said, "The whole country" is saddened by the death of Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee. My condolences to his family, friends and his fans and supporters across the country. Om Shanti.

”Mukherjee, who has been in public life for five decades, was ill for the last few days. On Monday evening, he breathed his last at the Army's Research and Referral Hospital in the capital Delhi. He was 84 years old. He said, "From the first day I had the privilege of being guided, supported and blessed by Mukherjee. I will always cherish my memories with him.