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Nation mourns the demise of former PM Manmohan Singh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading the country in paying homage to the departed leader.

Nolan Patrick Pinto

Published Dec 27, 2024 | 12:09 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 27, 2024 | 12:09 AM

A file photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Manmohan Singh.

A file photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Manmohan Singh.

Leaders cutting across party lines offered rich tributes to former prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at age of 92 in New Delhi on Thursday, 26 December.

Leading the nation in paying homage to the departed leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country was mourning the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders.

“India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives.”

Modi also recounted their interactions over the year and the deliberations they had.

“Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji and I interacted regularly when he was PM and I was the CM of Gujarat. We would have extensive deliberations on various subjects relating to governance. His wisdom and humility were always visible.”

The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said Singh led India with immense wisdom and integrity.

“His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Kaur and the family. I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride.”

 

Lok Sabha member Priyanka Gandhi Vadra who knew Singh for decades said that only few people in politics inspired the respect that Dr. Singh did and called him a uniquely dignified and gentleman in the rough world of politics.

“Few people in politics inspire the kind of respect that Sardar Manmohan Singh ji did.”

“His honesty will always be an inspiration for us and he will forever stand tall among those who truly love this country as someone who remained steadfast in his commitment to serve the nation despite being subjected to unfair and deeply personal attacks by his opponents.”

Chief ministers of different states also condoled the death and remembered their interactions with the former prime minister.

Karnataka’s Siddaramaiah said he became the chief minster for the first time during Singh’s tenure and that the former prime minister had encouraged the state’s budgetary measures.

“It was during his tenure as PM that I became the CM of Karnataka for the first time. His encouragement of our budgetary measures and the influence of landmark UPA policies like the Right to Food Act shaped Karnataka’s progress and welfare initiatives,” CM Siddaramaiah posted on X.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy called Singh one of the true architects of new India.

“A man of virtue, impeccable integrity, marked above all by a humane touch in decision making, Dr Singh is one of true architects of new India.”

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Singh was a, “distinguished statesman committed to the values of secularism and democracy.”

“An intellectual statesman, Dr Singh embodied humility, wisdom, and integrity,” is how Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu remembered Singh. “From his economic reforms in 1991 as Finance Minister to his leadership as Prime Minister, he served the nation tirelessly and uplifted millions.”

Andhra Pradesh’s former chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy said Singh’s, “Visionary policies and economic reforms laid the foundation for India’s rise as a global power.”

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in his message said, “Undoubtedly, history shall judge you kindly, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji!”

He added that, “India has lost a visionary statesman, a leader of unimpeachable integrity, and an economist of unparalleled stature,” with the passing of Singh.

Kharge remembered Singh’s policy of economic liberalisation and rights-based welfare paradigm that profoundly transformed the lives of crores of Indians, “virtually creating a middle-class in India and lifting crores out of poverty.”

The Congress president was also a part of Singh’s Cabinet.

“A man of action rather than words, his immense contribution to nation-building will forever be etched in the annals of Indian history.”

The National President of the BJP JP Nadda took to X saying, “His leadership earned admiration and respect across party lines. Shri Manmohan Singh ji’s legacy will continue to inspire generations in their pursuit of nation-building.”

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