Manmohan Singh Death: Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi mourned the passing of former prime minister Manmohan Singh saying that he left an indelible void in Indian politics and public life. Singh, who passed away at 92 on Thursday night at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi, was mourned deeply by Congress leaders and the nation at large.
Sonia Gandhi described Singh as a "friend, philosopher, and guide," highlighting his exceptional qualities and unparalleled contributions. In her tribute, Sonia Gandhi stated, “In Dr Manmohan Singh's passing, we have lost a leader who was the epitome of wisdom, nobility and humility, who served our country with all his heart and mind. A luminous and beloved guiding light for the Congress party, his compassion and vision transformed and empowered the lives of millions of Indians."
She further praised his intellectual brilliance, humility, and unwavering commitment to social justice, secularism, and democratic values, noting, "His advice, wise counsel and views were eagerly sought and deeply valued across the political spectrum in our country... For me, Dr Manmohan Singh's death is a deeply personal loss."
Manmohan Singh Death: Kharge Urges PM Modi For Memorial
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urged the government to hold Singh’s last rites at a designated location to establish a memorial in his honour. Highlighting Singh’s stature as a revered statesman, Kharge wrote, “Dr Manmohan Singh holds a highly revered place in the psyche of the country and the people of this nation… His final resting place should become a sacrosanct venue for his memorial.”
Kharge also recounted Singh’s rise from a humble background and his immense contributions to the nation’s economic and political fabric. “President Obama once remarked, ‘Whenever the Indian Prime Minister speaks, the whole world listens to him,’” he noted, emphasising Singh's global reputation.
The request comes as the Ministry of Home Affairs informed that the state funeral of Manmohan Singh will take place at 11:45 AM on Saturday at Nigambodh Ghat, New Delhi.
Manmohan Singh Death: CWC Pays Tribute To 'True Statesman'
The Congress Working Committee (CWC) convened at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in Delhi to pass a condolence resolution in Singh's honour. The resolution hailed him as a "true statesman" whose visionary leadership transformed India's political and economic landscape.
The CWC resolution noted Singh's pivotal role as the architect of India's economic liberalisation during his tenure as Finance Minister in the early 1990s. His reforms not only rescued the nation from a balance-of-payments crisis but also propelled it onto the global stage as a fast-growing economy. As Prime Minister, Singh's tenure was marked by landmark initiatives, including the MGNREGA, the Right to Education Act, the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal, and significant steps in social justice and transparency through the RTI Act and Forest Rights Act.
Highlighting his contributions, the resolution stated, "Dr Singh's dedication to inclusive growth, international diplomacy, and economic modernisation strengthened India's position in the global arena, while simultaneously focusing on the welfare of the common man."
Singh's legacy as a leader extended beyond politics. A distinguished academic and economist, his scholarly work at institutions like the United Nations and the Reserve Bank of India laid the foundation for his economic reforms. His mentorship inspired generations of policymakers and economists, leaving an enduring impact on India’s developmental trajectory.
The resolution further lauded his extraordinary personal qualities, describing him as a leader of "rare character," whose grace, humility, and dignity set him apart. It read, "Despite holding the highest offices in the land, he always remained grounded, treating everyone with respect and kindness."
Singh is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, a history professor, and three daughters. His death marks the end of an era, and the Congress pledged to honour his legacy by upholding the ideals he championed: integrity, diligence, and compassion.
The meeting at the AICC headquarters was attended by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other senior leaders, underscoring the profound loss felt by the party and the nation.