It was acknowledged that Singh had been the architect of India’s economic reforms and had died on Thursday night at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, at the age of 92.
Mourning for seven days for Manmohan Singh’s death; last rites on Saturday for the former PM.
He served as a senior economic advisor to the Commerce Ministry in 1971, thus starting his long and eventful career in the government of India, when he fell seriously ill.
K C Venugopal, general secretary in-charge organisation, Indian National Congress, said that in memory of the dearly departed former Prime Minister, all official programmes of the Indian National Congress including his foundation-day celebrations will stand cancelled for the next seven days.
“This shall include all agitation and outreach programs. All party programmes will recommence on January 3, 2025. During this seven-day period of mourning, the party flag shall be flown at half-mast,” Venugopal said on X.
Official Statements:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the “loss of a distinguished leader” of India, praising Manmohan Singh for rising from humble origins into a respected economist. PM Modi mentioned Singh’s passing, noting, “His wisdom and humility were ever on display.” Later that evening, PM Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah visited his place to offer condolences.
- Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi condoled the passing of this “mentor and guide.” In his post on X, Rahul said millions of people who revered the former PM will “remember him with immense pride.” More Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge, also mourned the death of the former prime minister.
- According to President Droupadi Murmu, the former PM Manmohan Singh would remain immortal in the conscience of people for his “service to the nation as well as his impeccable political life and utmost humility”, while calling it a great loss to the nation.
