All schools, govt offices to remain closed today

NEW DELHI: On the day of demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal visited him and also urged the supporters not to celebrate his birthday which fell on Thursday itself. In the evening, Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia announced that all the Delhi governments schools would be closed on Friday.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal along with his deputy Manish Sisodia visited AIIMS in the morning to inquire about Vajpayee's health. Later, Kejriwal condoled the demise of the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying his death was "a great loss" for the country.

The media adviser to the chief minister Kejriwal, Nagender Sharma, said the CM has requested the party volunteers and his well-wishers to avoid his birthday celebration “Delhi CM @Arvindkejriwal requests party volunteers & well-wishers not to celebrate his birthday in view of deteriorating health condition of former Prime Minister Sh Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Volunteers are requested to refrain from visiting CM residence (sic),” Sharma tweeted.

Later in the evening Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia wrote, “All Delhi government schools, offices, and other institutions shall be closed as the mark of respect for our dear departed Sh Atal ji.” He further clarified that all schools including private schools shall remain closed.