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 12:29 PM IST
A K Antony on Manmohan Singh: A visionary who rebuilt India's economy like 'magician'
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was a visionary who rebuilt India's economy like a "magician", veteran Congress leader A K Antony said on Friday.
Addressing the media in Thiruvananthapuram, the former defence minister in the Singh-led UPA government highlighted the transformative reforms introduced during his tenure, particularly the Food Security Act, which became a landmark legislation benefiting crores of the middle class in India.
The Congress Working Committee member described Sonia Gandhi's decision to nominate Manmohan Singh as prime minister a "second surprise," following her unexpected choice to decline the role herself, despite pressure from opposition parties, including the Left, to assume the position.
"Although there were doubts about how someone who was not a seasoned politician would lead the country, Singh, during his 10 years in power, proved himself to be one of the most experienced and respected leaders the world has ever seen," Antony said.
"World leaders listened to him during crises, particularly economic slowdown," he added.
Antony also pointed out that under Singh’s leadership, India achieved significant strides in economic and military strength.
"Countries across the globe sought stronger relations with India during his tenure," he added.
Antony described Singh as a disciplined and humble leader, recounting how he carried his own bag, refusing assistance from others.
"Is there such a man? A prime minister with such dignity and respect for his colleagues. He was the most respected prime minister in India. There are many good people, but none quite like him," Antony recalled.
He termed Singh’s demise as the biggest loss to the nation in recent times.
"From the moment he accepted Congress membership when he assumed the role of finance minister, he worked as a loyal, dedicated, and disciplined leader," the former defence minister said.
Recalling Singh's generosity towards Kerala, Antony said that he maintained a non-discriminatory stance towards all states, regardless of the ruling party.
"He was a leader who lived for the country, respected by everyone across party lines. His void is irreplaceable," Antony said, adding that Singh was respected by all in the Rajya Sabha. PTI
