President Pranab Mukherjee’s wife, Suvra Mukherjee, has died this morning, said a statement from the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
President Mukherjee’s official twitter handle made this announcement a while ago;
It is informed with deep sorrow that First Lady, Mrs Suvra Mukherjee passed away this morning at 1051 am
— President Mukherjee (@POI13) August 18, 2015
She has been ill for some time and was admitted to the hospital on Friday evening. A heart patient, she was brought to the hospital with a respiratory problem and admitted in intensive care unit.
Suvra Mukherjee was born on September 17, 1940 in Jessore (now in Bangladesh) and married Pranab Mukherjee on July 13, 1957.
A big fan of Rabindranath Tagore, she was a vocalist of Rabindra Sangeet and even performed in the poet’s dance-dramas for many years in India, Europe, Asia and Africa.
Among those who have expressed their condolences included the Delhi chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, Congress Vice President, Rahu Gandhi, West Bengal chiefminister, Mamata Banerjee.
Kejriwal tweeted;
Very sad to hear the demise of Mrs Suvra Mukherjee. May her soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to Hon'ble President n his family.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 18, 2015
Reacting to the news of the First Lady’s death, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi tweeted,
My deepest condolences to @RashtrapatiBhvn President Pranab Mukherjee &his family on the passing away of Smt Suvra Mukherjee @Sharmistha_GK
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 18, 2015
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee too tweeted talking about her association with the President’s wife.
She said, “I’ve known Suvra boudi for more than three decades. She was simple, loving and caring housewife.”
Saddened to hear that Rashtrapati ji's wife Suvra boudi is no more. Cannot believe she has passed. Such is life. We have to accept the truth
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 18, 2015
I have known Suvra boudi for more than three decades. She was simple, lovable and a caring housewife
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 18, 2015
May God give Rashtrapati ji and his family the strength to bear the loss
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 18, 2015
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar’s tweet said:
Sad to hear about the demise of Shri Pranab Mukherjee ji's wife. My deepest condolences to Pranab da and family. @RashtrapatiBhvn
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) August 18, 2015