3 min readBengaluruDec 27, 2024 11:10 AM IST
First published on: Dec 27, 2024 at 10:12 AM IST
The Karnataka government has announced a public holiday on Friday, December 27, to mourn the demise of former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh. The holiday will apply to all government offices, schools, colleges, and government-affiliated institutions across the state.
Singh, a two-time prime minister, breathed his last at AIIMS Delhi on Thursday after suffering from age-related medical conditions.
As a mark of respect to Manmohan Singh, the state has also declared seven days of mourning, from December 26, 2024, to January 1, 2025. During this period, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings, and public entertainment programmes are strictly prohibited.
Randeep Singh Surjewala, general secretary of Indian National Congress, also announced the cancellation of programmes as part of Centenary Celebrations of Historical Belagavi Congress Session.
“As a mark of respect for Dr. Manmohan Singh, @INCIndia has cancelled its “Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan Rally” in Belgaum, Karnataka tomorrow. @INCKarnataka will be holding a condolence meeting in remembrance of Dr. Manmohan Singh on Friday,” he said.
Key Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge who had arrived in Belagavi departed for Delhi on Thursday night, while arrangements were being made to facilitate the swift travel of other leaders from various parts of the country to Delhi, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in his condolence message, remembered the former prime minister as a statesman of unparalleled wisdom.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of former Prime Minister Shri Manmohan Singh ji. A statesman of unparalleled wisdom, his leadership and vision left an indelible mark on our nation. It was during his tenure as PM that I became the CM of Karnataka for the first time. His encouragement of our budgetary measures and the influence of landmark UPA policies like the Right to Food Act shaped Karnataka’s progress and welfare initiatives.My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. His legacy will continue to inspire generations,” CM Siddaramaiah said.
Condoling the death of Dr Singh, Shivakumar said, “An era defined by statesmanship, integrity and quiet strength comes to an end with the demise of Former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh ji. His vision for the nation both as the PM and the economic architect during one of its most defining moments truly speaks volumes about his resilient leadership. His passing away feels like a personal loss to me- not only was he an extraordinary leader, but he was an extraordinary human being as well! My deepest condolences to the family members and loved ones as we bid farewell to a true son of the soil.”
Dr Manmohan Singh, widely respected for his contributions to India’s economic reforms and governance, served as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014.
As a mark of respect to Manmohan Singh, the state has also declared seven days of mourning, from December 26, 2024, to January 1, 2025. (Express Archive) 
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