Mahajan dies after multiple organ failure

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New Delhi: The BJP's man for all seasons and one of its most high-profile second generation leaders, Pramod Mahajan, is no more.

He died at Mumbai's Hinduja Hospital at about 1610 hrs (IST) on Wednesday evening.

Mahajan's condition had been deteriorating steadily over the past 24 hours. At about 1300 hrs (IST) on Wednesday, the senior BJP leader suffered multiple organ failure.

His kidneys and lungs stopped responding. He had suffered critical injuries in vital organs his liver and pancreas.

The doctors at the Hinduja Hospital, who had been treating him for the past 12 days, callled the family and said they had done whatever they could. The family was then allowed inside the ICU.

At about 1600 hrs (IST), BJP leader Sushma Swaraj briefed the media, saying everyone was hoping for a miracle - in a sense confirming everyone's worst fears.

Minutes later, the Hinduja Hospital confirmed that Pramod Mahajan, 57 was no more. Hospital chief executive officer Dr Pramod Lele said Mahajan breathed his last at 1610 hrs.

"It is with deep regret we have to announce that Pramod Mahajan, who had been battling for life for the last 12 days, succumbed to his bullet injuries," said Dr Pramod Lele, CEO, Hinduja Hospital.

"He was suffering from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome for the past four days, and that is what has caused his demise," said a senior doctor of the hospital.

Mahajan's body was kept at the BJP state headquarters at Nariman Point from 2000 hrs (IST) till late night for people to pay their last respects.

It was then taken for post mortem, during which the three bullets that were lodged in his body were removed. Mahajan was shot three times at point blank range by his brother Pravin.

Hundreds of BJP workers, politicians and supporters crowded into the Hinduja Hospital as the news of his death spread. Party leaders cutting across party lines have expressed their sorrow and disbelief at his untimely death.

There will be a state funeral for Mahajan in Mumbai on Thursday.

Mahajan was BJP's master strategist and trouble-shooter. He strode like a colossus on the country's political firmament.

The 56-year-old Mahajan, known for his managerial skills and political networking, was declared dead at the Hinduja Hospital here this afternoon.

Mahajan is survived by his wife Rekha, son Rahul and daughter Poonam.

The untimely death of the wily leader, who never shied away from taking adversaries head-on or courting controversies, shocked the nation with top leaders cutting across political lines hailing him as 'a youth icon and a charismatic leader imbued with exceptional organisational skills and an uncanny understanding of political realities'.

President APJ Abdul Kalam, Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, several Cabinet ministers, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, BJP leaders L K Advani and Rajnath Singh and RSS chief K S Sudershan were among those who condoled the death of the BJP's trouble-shooter.

The mortal remains of Mahajan will be consigned to flames with full state honours at the Shivaji Park cremation ground in Dadar on Thursday.

Mr Advani has already reached Mumbai, while other leaders are on their way to the city for the funeral. Mr Shekhawat will also be present.

However, members of Pravin's family will not be attending the last rites. Pravin, who was today sent to judicial custody by a local court, has been informed of the death of his brother by the police and also by the jail authorities after he was moved there on Wednesday evening.