Rahul, Priyanka, Congress Leaders, Modi, Lead Tributes To Manmohan Singh

NEW DELHI (ANI) –  Congress leaders, young and old, gathered December 26 night to mourn the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who died at Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences. The hospital said Singh had “a sudden loss of consciousness at home”, where resuscitative measures were started, and that he had been rushed to AIIMS but, “despite all efforts”, he was declared dead at 9.51 pm.

Gandhis

Party boss Mallikarjun Kharge and former chief Rahul Gandhi, are both at a centenary session of the Congress Working Committee in Karnataka’s Belagavi but were expected back in Delhi at the time of publishing.

In initial statements, Gandhi grieved the loss of Singh, whom he hailed as a mentor and guide, and of whom he said, “millions will remember him with the utmost pride”. “Manmohan Singhji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation,” Gandhi said.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who is in Delhi, was among those who rushed to AIIMS this evening. Minutes after Mr. Singh’s death was confirmed, she posted a long and heartfelt message on X.

“Few people in politics inspire the kind of respect that Sardar Manmohan Singhji did. His honesty will always be an inspiration for us, and he will forever stand tall among those who truly love this country as someone who remained steadfast in his commitment to serve the nation despite being subjected to unfair and deeply personal attacks by his opponents,” the newly elected Wayanad MP said. “He was genuinely egalitarian, wise, strong-willed and courageous until the end. A uniquely dignified and gentle man in the rough world of politics.”

Chidambaram

Manmohan Singh’s story has not been fully told, said senior Congress leader P Chidambaram as he mourned the loss of the former Prime Minister, adding that the “period from 1991 till 2014 will be a golden chapter” in the history of India.

“It is a deeply emotional moment for me to speak about Dr Manmohan Singh,” said Chidambaram, who was a minister in the Manmohan Singh-led United Progressive Alliance or the UPA.

“The life and work of Dr Manmohan Singh and the period from 1991 till 2014 will be a golden chapter in the history of India. I worked closely with him for many years. I have not met a person who is humbler and more self-effacing than Dr Singh. He wore his scholarship lightly and never claimed credit for any of his historic achievements,” said Chidambaram, now a Rajya Sabha member.

“The story of India turned after Dr Singh became Finance Minister. And the present middle class of India was virtually the creation of his policies as Finance Minister and Prime Minister,” said Chidambaram, adding while the former Prime Minister’s policies were liberal and progressive, he never forgot the poor.

CMs

 Meanwhile, two former Chief Ministers – Bhupesh Baghel of Chhattisgarh and Bhupinder S Hooda of Haryana – and Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Singhvi were also among those posting early tributes.

The Congress’ Delhi unit called Mr. Singh’s death “an irreparable loss to Indian politics” and said, “May God give peace to the departed soul and strength to his family to bear this sorrow.”

Modi

Singh’s successor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also released a statement with photos of the two leaders interacting at various public events over the years.

“India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr Manmohan Singhji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years.”

“His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” Modi’s handle said.

AAP

Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha expressed his deepest condolences to Singh’s family and called him blessed and privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside him in the Rajya Sabha.

“A world-renowned economist and the architect behind the liberalization of the Indian economy, Dr Manmohan Singh Ji steered India through difficult times and into a new era. An Oxford-educated economist, he spearheaded India’s 1991 economic reforms and led the nation as Prime Minister with quiet determination, proving that intellect and integrity can drive transformative change. I join the nation in mourning the passing of one of our most distinguished statesmen. His legacy will endure and inspire generations to come. I consider myself blessed and privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside him in the Rajya Sabha. My deepest condolences to his family. RIP, Sir. Om Shanti,” the AAP leader posted.

Also Read: Manmohan Singh, India’s Economic Architect, Dies Aged 92