Govt Approves Raj Ghat Site For Pranab Mukherjee's Memorial, His Daughter Thanks PM Modi

 BJP-led central government approved a site for Pranab Mukherjee's memorial at Delhi's Raj Ghat.

Central government on Tuesday approved a designated site within the “Rashtriya Smriti" complex (a part of the Rajghat precinct) for erecting a Samadhi of former President of India Pranab Mukherjee.

Mukherjee’s daughter, former Congress leader Sharmistha Mukherjee, posted a letter from the Land and Development Office of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs dated January 1 informing her of the decision.

Sharmistha, who called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday to thank him for the decision, took to X and wrote, “Called on Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi ji to express thanks and gratitude from core of my heart for his governments’ decision to create a memorial for baba. It’s more cherished considering that we didn’t ask for it. Immensely touched by this unexpected but truly gracious gesture by PM."

“Baba used to say that state honours shouldn’t be asked for, it should be offered. I’m so grateful that PM Modi did this to honour Babas’ memory. It doesn’t affect baba where he is now- beyond applaud or criticism. But for his daughter, words are not sufficient to express my joy," she added.

The former President passed away on August 31, 2020 at the age of 84 after he was tested positive for coronavirus.

Notably, the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal was set up as a common memorial site for former Presidents and Prime Ministers of India. It also includes the memorial to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.