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‘His honesty will always be an inspiration’: Tributes pour in for former PM Manmohan Singh

Sonia Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson, described the loss as “tragic” and extended her deepest condolences.

Manmohan singhDr. Manmohan Singh, who served as India’s 14th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, leaves behind a legacy of economic liberalisation, inclusive growth policies, and a vision of a modern India.  (Express File)
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After former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh passed away aged 92 on Thursday, leaders across the political spectrum paid heartfelt tributes, remembering him for his integrity, intellect, and transformative policies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, saying, “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions, 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 said.

Recalling their interactions, he added, “Dr Manmohan Singh ji and I interacted regularly when he was PM and I was the CM of Gujarat. His wisdom and humility were always visible. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the family of Dr Manmohan Singh Ji, his friends, and countless admirers. Om Shanti.”

Sonia Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson, described the loss as “tragic” and extended her deepest condolences. “Very tragic. A huge loss to our Congress family. Deepest condolences to family, friends, and well-wishers,” she tweeted.

Lost a mentor and guide, says Rahul

LoK Sabha leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressed personal grief over losing a mentor. “Manmohan Singh ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Kaur and the family. I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride,” he said.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra described Dr Singh as an icon of dignity and resilience in politics. “Few people in politics inspire the kind of respect that Sardar Manmohan Singh ji did. His honesty will always be an inspiration for us. He was genuinely egalitarian, wise, strong-willed, and courageous until the end,” she tweeted.

Lifted crores out of poverty: Kharge

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hailed Dr Singh’s economic reforms and leadership. “India has lost a visionary statesman, a leader of unimpeachable integrity, and an economist of unparalleled stature. His policy of Economic Liberalisation and Rights-based welfare paradigm profoundly transformed the lives of crores of Indians, virtually creating a Middle Class in India and lifting crores out of poverty,” Kharge said. Reflecting on their work together, he added, “A man of action rather than words, his immense contribution to nation-building will forever be etched in the annals of Indian history.”

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid his respects, tweeting, “The news of the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is extremely sad. From being the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to the Finance Minister of the country and as the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh played an important role in the governance of the country. I express my condolences to his family and supporters. May Waheguru grant peace to his soul and give strength to his family to bear this grief,” Shah tweeted.


Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid his respects, saying, “The demise of former Prime Minister and renowned economist Dr. Manmohan Singh is extremely sad and an irreparable loss to Indian politics. As Finance Minister and Prime Minister, he played an important role in the governance of the country. Humble tribute to him!”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her profound sadness. “His erudition and wisdom were unquestionable, and the depth of the financial reforms ushered in by him in the country are widely acknowledged. The country will miss his stewardship, and I shall miss his affection,” she said.

Dr Sahab embodied humility: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who worked closely with Singh during his tenure as an MP from Assam, reflected on his humility and intellect. “Dr Sahab embodied humility and never surrendered to the trappings of power. In all my interactions with him, his simplicity and decency combined with his intellectual prowess always stood out. In his demise, the nation has lost a great patriot, an exceptional scholar, an unconventional politician, and a fine statesman,” Sarma said.

A giant among pygmies: Omar Abdullah 

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah remembered Singh as “a giant among pygmies.” He added, “He was truly an intellectual giant, an accomplished economist, but above all, he was a thorough gentleman. India has lost a great son with his passing. Rest in peace, sir, and thank you for everything.”

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar recalled Singh’s transformative impact on India’s economy. “Under his leadership, India’s economy got a new direction. The demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh is an irreparable loss for Indian politics,” Kumar said.


Leaders from across parties, including Devendra Fadnavis, Randeep Singh Surjewala, and Devender Yadav, also shared their condolences. As a mark of respect, the Congress Party cancelled its “Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan Rally” in Karnataka, announcing a condolence meeting instead.

Dr. Manmohan Singh, who served as India’s 14th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, leaves behind a legacy of economic liberalisation, inclusive growth policies, and a vision of a modern India.

Goa CM Pramod Sawant highlights Singh’s vital role in India’s transformative growth

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has condoled the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, highlighting his vital role in India’s transformative journey towards an open and vibrant economy. In a message on X, Sawant wrote, “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of former Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh Ji.” The CM said Singh played a key role in making the country an open and vibrant economy.

“Dr Singh’s immense contributions to India’s growth will always be remembered with gratitude and respect. My heartfelt condolences to his family and well-wishers. May the departed soul attain Sadgati. Om Shanti,” he wrote.

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‘Visionary leader’: Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang condoled the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and described him as a “visionary leader” whose significant contributions to economic reforms and public service have left an indelible mark on the nation. Tamang in a post on social media said: “His legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” Tamang said on Thursday.

Manipur CM Biren Singh, state Congress chief condole demise

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in a post on X said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India. He was a visionary leader and his dedication to the nation have left an indelible mark on our country. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones in this time of grief. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

State Congress president Keisham Meghachandra wrote: “I express my heartfelt condolences to the family members of our former prime minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, on his sad demise. I am lost in profound grief with deep agony and pain to hear his passing away. I pray to God to give strength to the bereaved family. I pray for his soul to be in heaven.”

He also recalled the contributions made by Manmohan Singh in the making of modern Manipur and attributed the credit of delivering multiple revolutionary developmental constructions and key events to the former prime minister. “The tenure of Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister of India (2004 to 2014) was the golden era of 21st century for modern Manipur,” Meghachandra said, adding Singh will be remembered for “handing over Kangla Fort to the people of Manipur from Assam Rifles, removal of AFSPA from 7 assembly segments of the state, upgrading of Manipur university into central university, a separate High Court of Manipur with grand new building.”

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‘An embodiment of wisdom, humility and integrity’: Tamil Nadu Guv R N Ravi

Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, in his condolence post, called Singh “an embodiment of wisdom, humility and integrity.” “His dedication to public service will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and well-wishers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” a Raj Bhavan social media post quoted Ravi as saying.

‘Special place in nation’s history’: TN LoP Palaniswami

Tamil Nadu’s Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami said the former PM’s monetary and fiscal policies shaped the nation’s economy. “The introduction of LPG (Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation) model of development chartered a new path for the country. A great economist, able administrator, and an exemplary statesman, his contributions hold a special place in the nation’s history,” he said in a post on X. “His demise marks an irreparable loss to the nation,” he added, extending his heartfelt condolences to Singh’s family, and functionaries and members of the Congress party.

Other political leaders in Tamil Nadu, including MDMK chief Vaiko, former chief minister O Panneerselvam, AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran also condoled the demise of Manmohan Singh

With PTI inputs

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  • Amit Shah Manmohan Singh Narendra Modi Rahul Gandhi Sonia Gandhi
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