NEW DELHI: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS Delhi on Thursday at the age of 92. Tributes poured in from across the nation, honoring his legacy and contributions to India’s development.
President Draupadi Murmu paid tribute to former prime minister, highlighting his role in transforming India’s economy through his various public service positions.
“Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh Ji was one of those rare politicians who also straddled the worlds of academia and administration with equal ease. In his various roles in public offices, he made critical contributions to reforming Indian economy. He will always be remembered for his service to the nation, his unblemished political life and his utmost humility. His passing is a great loss to all of us. I pay my respectful homage to one of the greatest sons of Bharat and convey my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers,” she wrote on X.
Taking to X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “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.”
“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. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the family of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, his friends and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” PM Modi post in a separate post on X.
Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi took to X and stated, “Manmohan Singh Ji 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.”
Priyanka Gandhi paid her tribute and poste on X, “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. He was genuinely egalitarian, wise, strongwilled and courageous until the end. A uniquely dignified and gentle man in the rough world of politics.”
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh shared a series of post sharing reflections on the remarkable career of Dr. Manmohan Singh.
He said, “An extremely full and extraordinarily distinguished life has ended. Chief Economic Adviser, Finance Secretary, Governor RBI, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Finance Minister, and Prime Minister of India. An alumnus of both Oxford and Cambridge. Winner of the prestigious Adam Smith Prize at Cambridge in 1956. Soft-spoken, sober, and always dignified, he had a steely resolve. He was the technocratic transformer of the Indian economy through his 1991, 1992, and other budgets. His Prime Ministership saw revolutionary legislation relating to rural employment, tribal rights, reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and OBCs, primary education, food security, and land acquisition. The Indo-US nuclear agreement was a landmark that enhanced India’s global status.”
“His Prime Ministership saw the highest GDP growth rate in the country’s history. He was a gentleman to the core, and one who bore no ill-will or malice to anyone. He believed in and practised the politics of dialogue, consensus, and accommodation even under difficult circumstances. Humility and integrity defined him. Those who sought to besmirch him revealed their own true colours. Many of the initiatives he took as PM were marketed, branded, and projected as his successor’s contributions. But Dr. Singh never minded and would give his trademark smile. He recruited me to the Planning Commission in Sept 1986 and since then it, was my good fortune to have been associated intimately with him for the next 38 years. In his inimitable and distinctive way, Dr. Manmohan Singh has left his indelible imprint on our history,” he added.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Bannerjee posted, “Profoundly stunned and saddened by the sudden demise of our former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ji. I had worked with him and saw him from very close quarters in the Union Cabinet.”
“His erudition and wisdom were unquestionable, and the depth of the financial reforms ushered in by him in the country are widely acknowledged . The country will miss his stewardship and I shall miss his affection. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and followers,” she added.
Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy posted on X, “One of the greatest economists, leaders, reformer, and above all, a humanitarian of our times ji is no more. 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. He showed how decency and class are much needed aspects of political & public life. He is a legend in whose passing away, India has lost a great son. Truly, in his own words, history will treat him far more kindly, and respectfully, than his own times perhaps did. My prayers and deepest condolence for the bereaved family members.”
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah expressed his grief taking to X, stating, “Very sorry to hear about the demise of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. I had many occasions to interact & learn from him. He was truly an intellectual giant, an accomplished economist but above all he was a thorough gentleman, a giant among pygmies. India has lost a great son with his passing. Rest in peace sir & thank you for everything.”
Union minister Nitin Gadkari also mourned Manmohan Singh and said that the he worked to give a new direction to the Indian economy.
Taking to X , Union minister Nitin Gadkari said, “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. As the Finance Minister of the country, he worked to give a new direction to the Indian economy. Along with being highly educated, his personality was humble, modest, sensitive and dedicated to the country. As the President of the BJP, I got the opportunity to talk to him many times. He always had the thought of taking the country forward. This country can never forget Dr. Manmohan Singh. May God give peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family members.”