India: Former PM Vajpayee died August 16, funeral planned in Delhi August 17

Event

Former Prime Minister Atal Bijari Vajpayee passed away on Thursday, August 16, at the age of 93. A seven-day period of national mourning will commence Friday, August 17, for the three-time prime minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) co-founder. Supporters are able to pay homage to the late leader at his home on Krishna Menon Marg from 07:30 to 08:30. Vajpayee's body will be taken from his home and carried to BJP headquarters around 09:00 (local time) on Friday. A later funeral procession will then lead to Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, near Shanti Van and across from the Red Fort, around 13:30, where his last rites will be performed at 16:00.

The morning (09:00) funeral procession will follow this route:

• Krishna Menon Marg down Akbar Road to the India Gate
• Tilak Marg from the India Gate to Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg (DDU Marg)
• DDU Marg to the BJP Headquarters

The afternoon (13:30) funeral procession will follow this route:

• DDU Marg southeast toward the Yamuna River to Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg (BSZ Marg)
• BSZ Marg north past the Delhi Gate to Shantivana Marg
• East down Shantivana Marg to Smriti Sthal, near Shanti Van
  

Context

PM Vajpayee was a member of parliament for over 40 years, serving as prime minister briefly in 1996, from 1998 to 1999, and a full term from 1999 to 2004. He helped form the BJP, the current incumbent party, in 1980 and served as its first president. Vajpayee was the first PM outside the Indian National Congress to serve a full term. He presided over India's acquisition of nuclear weapons, initiated a peace process with Pakistan, and worked toward stronger relations with the US.

Advice

Individuals in Delhi are advised to monitor the situation, avoid large public gatherings as a precaution, and anticipate transportation delays.