New Delhi: Former Prime Minister and veteran Congress leader Dr Manmohan Singh, considered the architect of India’s economic reforms, died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here on Thursday following old age complications, the hospital announced.
Manmohan Singh, 92, a celebrated economist left behind his wife and three daughters.
The Central government has announced a seven-day morning during which the National Flag will fly at half-mast. Singh’s last rites will be performed with full state honours, the government announced.
An AIIMS spokesperson said the former Prime Minister had a sudden loss of consciousness at home in the evening. Resuscitative measures were started immediately and he was brought to the hospital at 8-06 p.m.
“Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 p.m,” the spokesperson said.
Manmohan Singh, who as finance minister(1991-1996) unveiled an array of economic reforms that ushered in a new era of liberalisation and ended the inspector raj, later helmed the country for two successive terms as prime minister from 2004 to 2014.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modin and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar led the nation in shedding tears for Manmohan Singh.
Describing the death of the nonagenarian leader as a great loss to the country, the President said, “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 the Indian economy”
President Murmu also referred to the departed leader’s “unblemished” political life and his “utmost humility”.
Modi called Manmohan one of the most distinguished leaders of the country.
In a post on his X handle, PM Modi said, “Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist”.
Modi recalled his discussions with Manmohan Singh on governance and shared pictures of their interactions. “As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives”
In another tweet, Modi said, “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.”
Expressing pain over Manmohan Singh’s demise, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar lauded him as a distinguished economist who transformed India’s economic landscape.
Having lost one of its seniormost leaders, the Congress cancelled all its programmes for seven days as a mark of respect.
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal on his social media handle X said, the cancellations included all agitational and outreach programmes as also the foundation day celebrations. The party flag will be flown at half-mast during this period of mourning”.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said with Manmohan Singh’s demise, India has lost a visionary statesman, a leader of unimpeachable integrity, and an economist of unparalleled stature.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said with the demise of Manmohan Singh he has lost a “mentor and guide”.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in a post on X said, “Few people in politics inspire the kind of respect that Sardar Manmohan Singh ji did. He was genuinely egalitarian, wise, strong-willed and courageous until the end. A uniquely dignified and gentle man in the rough world of politics”.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal said Manmohan Singh’sd death was an “irreparable loss for the country.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who served in Manmohan Singh’s Cabinet for two years (2009-2011), said he was “Profoundly stunned and saddened” by his demise.
“I had worked with him and saw him from very close quarters in the Union Cabinet. His erudition and wisdom were unquestionable,” she said.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar described Singh’s death “as a great loss to national politics.”
Top industry honchos doffed their hats to Manmohan Singh, saying his economic reforms put the Indian economy on the fast track.
“History will forever honour his pivotal role in the transformative 1991 reforms that reshaped India and opened its doors to the world. A rare leader who spoke softly but achieved monumental strides through his actions, Dr Singh’s life remains a masterclass in leadership, humility and service to the nation and will inspire generations to come,” Adani group chairman Gautam Adani said in a post on ‘X’.
Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra wrote in a post on micro-blogging site, “Farewell Dr. Manmohan Singh. You loved this nation. And your service to it will long be remembered.”
In his long and illustrious career, Dr Singh held many key positions including those of Finance Minister, RBI Governor and Deputy Chairman of the erstwhile Planning Commission, leaving an indelible mark in all the roles.
In 2004, after Sonia Gandhi declined to take over as the country’s prime minister, Manmohan Singh was chosen for the coveted post at the head of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and took oath on May 22.
The UPA retained power in 2009, with the Congress getting over 200 seats. Manmohan took oath as PM for the second time on May 22, 2009, and continued in the PM’s chair till 2014, when the UPA lost the general elections, paving the way for the BJP-headed NDA to form the government with Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister.
The 100-day guaranteed work programme MGNREGA was one of the headline initiatives during his premiership.
However, on the flip side, his government, particularly in its second term, faced allegations of policy paralysis and was berated by the opposition for alleged scams.
Source: UNI
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