Cabinet condoles Vajpayee's death

The Union cabinet condoled the demise of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who passed away this evening, official sources said.

As per convention, the cabinet passed a resolution, condoling the demise of the BJP veteran.

When towering leaders pass away, the cabinet meets to condole their demise and pass a resolution.

A brief moment of silence was also observed, the sources said.

A State funeral would be accorded to Vajpayee and a half-day holiday would be observed in all central government offices tomorrow.

A seven-day State mourning has been announced by the government as a mark of respect to the departed leader.

In a circular, the Home Ministry said the national flag would be flown at half mast across the country for seven days from today.

"As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, it has been decided that seven days of State mourning will be observed throughout India from August 16-22, both days inclusive.

"During this period, the national flag will be flown at half mast throughout India where it is regularly flown and there will be no official entertainment during the period of the State mourning," the Home Ministry said.

The national flag would fly at half mast at all the Indian missions abroad tomorrow, the day of Vajpayee's funeral.