The last rites of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be performed at New Delhi’s Rashtriya Smriti Sthal at 4 pm on Friday, announced Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah.
Vajpayee’s body will be kept at his official residence at 6-A Krishna Menon Marg on Thursday night to allow people to pay their homage. On Friday morning, it will be taken to the BJP headquarters at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, reported PTI.
Vajpayee will be accorded a state funeral and the government announced a seven-day state mourning across the country, reported ANI. “As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, it has been decided that seven days of state mourning will be observed throughout India from August 16-22, both days inclusive,” said the circular. “During this period, the national flag will be flown at half mast throughout India where it is regularly flown and there will be no official entertainment during the period of the state mourning.” The national flag will also fly at half-mast on Friday in all Indian missions abroad, reported PTI.
The government has declared a half-day holiday in all central government offices and central public sector undertakings across India.
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced that all government offices, schools and institutions will remain closed in the Capital on Friday. Punjab declared a three-day mourning and all government offices, boards, educational institutions and corporations will be closed in the state on Friday. Both Jharkhand and Bihar declared a seven-day mourning.
Senior BJP leader Vajpayee died on Thursday evening at the age of 93. He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, where he was on life support.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!