Several offices will remain closed today following the death of India’s former prime minister
Several states in India declared today a public holiday to mourn the death of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The holiday will act as a mark of respect for the departed leader, who passed away in New Delhi yesterday. A state funeral will be held today, followed by a seven-day mourning period.
In its initial announcement of the ex-PM’s death to state governments, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs did not declare a public holiday as such declarations are only made for a current prime minister or president.
The union cabinet later made an exception for the leader who was considered one of the country’s most respected politicians.
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