Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday at Delhi’s AIIMS hospital, was honored by leaders across the political spectrum. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge visited his residence in the national capital to pay their respects.
The Union Cabinet also expressed deep sorrow over his demise. In a meeting chaired by PM Modi, the Cabinet observed a two-minute silence and passed a Condolence Resolution, recognizing Singh as a remarkable statesman and an influential leader who made a lasting impact on the nation.
Singh’s final journey will begin on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters. His wife, Gursharan Kaur, and other family members were present as leaders from various political parties came together to bid him farewell.
Nation Prepares to Bid Farewell to Manmohan Singh
The last rites of Manmohan Singh, India’s two-time Prime Minister and the visionary behind the country’s economic liberalization, will be held in Delhi on Saturday with full state honours. His final journey is set to begin from the Congress headquarters at 9:30 a.m.
On Friday, a wave of tributes poured in as leaders from across the political spectrum gathered at Singh’s New Delhi residence to pay their respects. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, along with chief ministers and international dignitaries, honored the former Prime Minister’s legacy.
Several global leaders also expressed their condolences, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, and former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed. They remembered their diplomatic interactions with Singh and highlighted his pivotal role on the global stage.
As the nation mourns his loss, Singh’s contributions as an economist and statesman continue to resonate, leaving behind a legacy of transformative leadership.
Manmohan Singh’s body will be taken to the Congress headquarters on Saturday at 8 a.m., where the public and party members can pay their respects. The funeral procession will start at 9:30 a.m., and the cremation is scheduled to take place at Nigambodh Ghat at 11:45 a.m., as per sources.
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Congress Requests Memorial Site
The Congress has urged the central government to designate a special resting place for the late leader, with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge personally appealing to the Prime Minister and Home Minister for permission to perform his last rites at a location suitable for building a memorial.
The Centre has announced a seven-day national mourning period, ending on January 1. During this time, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the country and at all Indian missions and high commissions abroad. Additionally, a half-day holiday has been declared for all central government offices and Central Public Sector Undertakings on Saturday.
Nation Mourns the Loss of Dr. Manmohan Singh
On Friday, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, recognizing him as a remarkable statesman and distinguished leader who made a significant impact on the nation.
A cabinet resolution stated, “Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contributions have left a lasting mark on our national life. With his passing, the nation has lost an eminent statesman, celebrated economist, and respected leader.”
In a heartfelt video message, PM Modi reflected on Dr. Singh’s journey, highlighting how his life story will inspire future generations to overcome adversity and achieve great success.
The Congress Working Committee (CWC) also mourned the loss, describing Dr. Singh as a “true statesman” whose work and leadership significantly shaped India’s future. “As Finance Minister in the early 1990s, Dr. Singh was instrumental in India’s economic liberalization, earning him global respect,” the CWC’s resolution stated.
Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and BJP President JP Nadda also paid their tributes to the former Prime Minister.
In addition, several state leaders, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, offered their condolences.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav also joined in paying their respects. In honor of the late Prime Minister, several states, including Haryana, Punjab, Manipur, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Assam, have declared official mourning.
About Manmohan Singh
Manmohan Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister twice starting in 2004, is widely recognized for his role in transforming the country’s economy. As Finance Minister in 1991, he played a crucial part in guiding India through a financial crisis, implementing key economic reforms.
During his time as Prime Minister, Singh focused on driving economic growth, expanding social welfare, and improving the country’s infrastructure.
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FAQs
Q.1. What was Manmohan Singh’s role in India’s economic reforms?
Ans. Manmohan Singh, as Finance Minister in 1991, implemented key economic reforms that helped India overcome a financial crisis and set the stage for liberalization and growth.
Q.2. When did Manmohan Singh pass away?
Ans. Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday at AIIMS, Delhi.
Q.3. Where will Manmohan Singh’s last rites be held?
Ans. His last rites will be performed with full state honors at Nigambodh Ghat, Delhi, following a funeral procession starting from the Congress headquarters.
Q.4. Which leaders paid tribute to Manmohan Singh?
Ans. Leaders like PM Narendra Modi, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and global figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken paid tribute.
Q.5. What national mourning has been declared for Manmohan Singh?
Ans. The Centre has declared a seven-day national mourning period, with the national flag at half-mast and a half-day holiday for central government offices.
