LIVE | India bids farewell to Manmohan Singh; Rahul Gandhi attacks Modi govt
Considered the architect of India's economic reforms, Singh served as the prime minister for 10 years between 2004 and 2014
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms and a consensus builder in the rough world of politics, was laid to rest with full state honours at Delhi's Nighambodh Ghat on Saturday (December 28).
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi were prominent among those who paid last respects to the departed leader before his last rites.
The procession carrying Singh's mortal remains reached the crematorium at around 11.30 pm.
Later, Rahul attacked the Narendra Modi government for "insulting" Manmohan Singh over the venue for his last rites.
"The great son of Mother India and the first Prime Minister of the Sikh community, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji has been totally insulted by the present government by performing his last rites today at the Nigambodh Ghat. He was the Prime Minister of India for a decade, during his tenure the country became an economic superpower and his policies are still the support of the poor and backward classes of the country," Rahul wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account in Hindi.
"Till date, respecting the dignity of all former Prime Ministers, their last rites were performed at authorized burial sites so that every person could have the last darshan and pay homage without any inconvenience. Dr. Manmohan Singh deserves our highest respect and a memorial. The government should have shown respect to this great son of the country and his proud community," he added.
Earlier, the final journey of Singh began from the AICC headquarters on Saturday morning after Congress leaders paid homage to their departed leader.
The flower-bedecked vehicle carrying the mortal remains of Singh left the Congress headquarters in a procession amid chants of "Manmohan Singh amar rahe".
A large number of Congress workers and leaders along with hundreds of Singh's well-wishers walked along as "Jab tak suraj chand rahega, tab tak tera naam rahega" slogans rent the air.
Former Congress chief and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also accompanied the procession alongside Singh's relatives.
Singh's mortal remains were taken to the AICC headquarters from his residence on 3, Motilal Nehru Road a little before 9 AM.
The mortal remains were kept there for about an hour, with several top Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, paying their last respects, among others.
Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur and one of their daughters also laid a wreath on his body and paid their last respects.
Singh passed away on Thursday night at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences due to age-related medical complications. He was 92.
Considered the architect of India's economic reforms, Singh served as the prime minister for 10 years between 2004 and 2014.
A seven-day national mourning is being observed throughout the country as a mark of respect to the former prime minister during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the nation, the Union Home Ministry has announced.
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Live Updates
- 27 Dec 2024 3:06 PM IST
Manmohan Singh will be remembered as one of India's finest PMs, says Akhilesh
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh will always be remembered as one of India's finest prime ministers, adding that he worked quietly yet profoundly for the country's progress.
Speaking to reporters, Yadav said Singh's decisions both as finance minister and prime minister were instrumental in strengthening India's economy.
"Many of the advancements we see today are because of the reforms he introduced. His bold moves in economic and market policies laid the foundation for India to stand as an equal on the global stage," he said.
Singh, 92, passed away Thursday evening in Delhi. He served as India's prime minister from 2004 to 2014.
Yadav praised Singh's unique combination of knowledge and practicality, calling him both a brilliant economist and a thoughtful leader.
"He was known for speaking less, but his decisions spoke volumes about his wisdom and foresight. His tenure was marked by transformative changes across sectors, and these changes resonate even today," Yadav added.
Reflecting on Singh's legacy, Yadav described him as the prime minister who worked quietly yet profoundly to bring about significant progress in the nation.
"The entire country mourns his loss. People are revisiting his speeches and recalling his impactful decisions. He will forever be remembered as one of India's finest Prime Ministers," he said.
The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister further said, "While Dr Manmohan Singh has now entered the pages of history, his contributions will live on. He will always be celebrated as a leader who prioritised the nation's welfare and worked with unmatched dedication." PTI
- 27 Dec 2024 2:55 PM IST
Condolences pour in from world leaders on Manmohan Singh's death
Condolences have poured in from across the globe, including from the US, Canada, France and Sri Lanka following the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called him "one of the greatest champions of the bilateral strategic partnership." “Dr Singh was one of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership, and his work laid the foundation for much of what our countries have accomplished together in the past two decades,” US Secretary of State Tony Blinken said.President of France Emmanuel Macron on Friday said "India has lost a great man". "India has lost a great man, and France a true friend, in the person of Dr. Manmohan Singh. He had devoted his life to his country. Our thoughts are with his family and the people of India," Macron posted on X.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he was saddened to learn of the passing of his former colleague, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
“He was an individual of exceptional intelligence, integrity, and wisdom. Laureen and I wish to convey our condolences to all his family and friends,” he said.
Former Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' said in a post on X, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Dr Manmohan Singh, a visionary leader and an extraordinary statesman. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of India. His legacy will inspire generations."
Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed wrote X that he found the former Prime Minister as a "benevolent father figure" and a good friend of Maldives. Former President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa called him a "visionary economist and the architect of India’s economic liberalisation." "Deeply saddened by the passing of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. A visionary economist and the architect of India’s economic liberalization, his contributions shaped a new era for India. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of India."
Calling him an "unwavering ally and friend to the people of Afghanistan", Karzai profoundly mourned Singh's passing and expressed his deepest condolences. "India has lost one of its most illustrious sons. Dr_Manmohan_Singh was an unwavering ally and friend to the people of Afghanistan. I profoundly mourn his passing and extend my deepest condolences to his family, the government, and the people of India. May his soul find eternal peace," Karzai said. - 27 Dec 2024 2:47 PM IST
Manmohan Singh's biggest legacy was his effort to keep India united: Farooq Abdullah
National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Friday expressed grief over former prime minister Manmohan Singh's demise, saying his biggest legacy was that he tried to keep India united and spread love across the nation.
"Singh was an excellent economist. His biggest achievement was that he tried to keep India united. He opened the economy. Today, when we talk of a trillion-dollar economy, it is because of Singh," Abdullah, who was Singh's cabinet colleague, told reporters here.
Singh wanted friendly relations with our neighbours and "God willing, that time will come", said Abdullah, who was the Minister for Renewable Energy in the second United Prgressive Alliance (UPA) government He noted that the economy was opened during the rule of Rajiv Gandhi and Narasimha Rao and said that today we can happily see that our economy is progressing.
"I was a minister in his cabinet, and for the first time in India, someone recognised renewable energy. On behalf of my family and my party, I pay my tributes to Singh and hope that we, and others, complete the work he left unfinished and take this country forward while maintaining brotherhood," he said.
Remembering Singh's efforts for peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir, the NC chief said his government took the biggest step of trying to bring back Kashmiri Pandits and address their difficulties in Jammu.
"Over 3,000 Kashmiri Pandits returned here, and their children were provided jobs. Colonies like Jagati were established for them so they could live comfortably until they return to their homes," he added.
Abdullah said not many like Singh are born and while they do a lot of work, they also face criticism. "I pray to God to give strength to his family -- his wife and children -- to bear this pain. They should not forget that the sacrifices Singh made for this country will never go to waste,” the former Union minister said.
He added that both the present government and future governments should learn from Singh's example. To a question on whether the Congress party would find it difficult to fill his void, Abdullah said finding such a leader would be very difficult, not just for the Congress party, but for the whole country.
"There are not many like him. There was no other Gandhi, no other Nehru or Sher-e-Kashmir (Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah)," he said. PTI
- 27 Dec 2024 2:45 PM IST
Envoys of US, Russia, China condole passing away of Manmohan Singh
Envoys of several countries, including Russia, China and the US, on Friday expressed condolences over the passing away of Manmohan Singh, describing the former prime minister as an "outstanding leader" and hailing his commitment to the progress of India.
In a post on X, the French Embassy in India said his leadership "bolstered India's global standing and strengthened bonds with France".
Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, died here on Thursday night. He was 92.
Ambassadors of many countries have expressed grief on passing of Singh, respected globally for his expertise in economics.
"It is a moment of poignant sorrow and grief for India and for Russia. Dr Manmohan Singh's contribution to our bilateral ties was immeasurable. His suave demeanour was always endearing as unquestionable was his expertise as an economist and his commitment to the progress of India," Russian envoy to India, Denis Alipov, said in a post on X.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dr Manmohan Singh ji and the Indian people," he added.
US ambassador Eric Garcetti remembered Singh as a leader "who set in motion a historic chapter in US-India relations".
"Remembering the selfless contributions of our dear friend and former prime minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, who set in motion an historic chapter in US-India relations. His dedication to India's growth and prosperity continues to inspire us. Grateful for his leadership and vision," the US envoy said in a social media post.
Singh served two terms as India's prime minister from 2004-2014. The civil nuclear deal signed during Singh's prime ministership changed India's overall engagement with the US as it paved the way for building the bonds of a strategic partnership, especially in areas of high-technology and defence.
Expressing condolences in a post on X, Chinese envoy Xu Feihong said, "Deeply saddened by the passing of former Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, an outstanding leader who is widely revered by the Indian people. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones." Many embassies in India also put out posts on social media along with photographs while remembering Singh.
"Deepest condolences to the family and friends of former Prime Minister of India, Dr #ManmohanSingh. A statesman admired worldwide, he leaves behind a legacy of compassion and progress. His leadership bolstered India's global standing and strengthened bonds with France," the French Embassy posted on X.
The Embassy of Iran said Singh played a key role in fostering historic ties between the two countries.
"The Embassy of Iran in Delhi extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India on the demise of Dr Manmohan Singh. He was a highly respected leader, who played key role in fostering Iran-India historic ties," it said in a social media post. PTI
