Former President Pranab Mukherjee tests COVID-19 positive; Ashok Gehlot, Piyush Goyal wish him speedy recovery

New Delhi: Former President Pranab Mukherjee said on Monday that he has tested positive for COVID-19. The 84-year-old requested people who came in contact with him in the last week to get tested as a precaution. “On a visit to the hospital for a separate procedure, I have tested positive for COVID19 today,” Mukherjee tweeted. “I request the people who came in contact with me in the last week, to please self isolate and get tested for COVID-19,” the Congress leader, who was the president from 2012-17, said.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala along with several other party leaders wished a speedy recovery to Mukherjee.

“We wish former President Pranab Mukherjee a speedy recovery from COVID-19,” the Congress said on its official Twitter handle.

Several leaders from across the political spectrum also wished him a speedy recovery. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted, “I have come to know former President of India Sh. Pranab Mukherjee has tested positive for COVID-19…concerned about his health. Wish him a speedy recovery.”

Union minister Piyush Goyal also wished good health for Mukherjee, and said he is confident that the former president will be successful in recovering from the virus quickly.