Former PM Manmohan Singh passes away at 92

Former Prime Minister and veteran Congress leader Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday. He was 92. 

As per sources, the noted economist was admitted to AIIMS, Delhi after his health condition deteriorated. 

Several Congress leaders took to the X platform to confirm the veteran leader's demise.

As the news spread, condolence messages started flooding the social media platforms. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote in a X post, “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 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.” 

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 as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic… pic.twitter.com/clW00Yv6oP

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 26, 2024

He also attached some photographs of him with the departed leader.

President Droupadi Murmu extended her condolences following the demise of the vetran leader. "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 Indian economy. He will always be remembered for his service to the nation, his unblemished political life and his utmost humility. His passing is a great loss to all of us. I pay my respectful homage to one of the greatest sons of Bharat and convey my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers," read her X post. 

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 Indian economy. He will always be…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 26, 2024

"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," read Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's X post. 

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… pic.twitter.com/bYT5o1ZN2R

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 26, 2024

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s X post read, “Deeply saddened by the passing of former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. His dedication, integrity, and calm leadership will always be remembered. May Mahaprabhu Jagannath bless his soul and grant him eternal peace. Om Shanti.” 

Deeply saddened by the passing of former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. His dedication, integrity, and calm leadership will always be remembered. May Mahaprabhu Jagannath bless his soul and grant him eternal peace.

Om Shanti 🙏

— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) December 26, 2024

BJP National Vice President Baijayant Panda too mourned the passing away of the former Prime Minister. “Deeply saddened by the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. A distinguished statesman and economist, his contributions to India’s growth and development will always be remembered. I had the privilege of knowing him over the years, & respected & admired him. He had a gentle demeanour and personal touch that won many admirers. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Om Shanti,” read his X post.

Deeply saddened by the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. A distinguished statesman and economist, his contributions to India’s growth and development will always be remembered. I had the privilege of knowing him over the years, & respected & admired him. He had… pic.twitter.com/DinpISeknj

— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) December 26, 2024

“I am shocked and saddened to hear the news of the demise of former Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh ji. He was not only a great economist but also had a simple and strong personality. May God give peace to his soul and give strength to his family in this difficult time. Om Shanti,” Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal wrote in a post on X.

Congress president Malikaurjan Kharge took to his X handle and wrote, "Undoubtedly, history shall judge you kindly, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji! With the passing of the Former Prime Minister, 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. I mourn the loss of a lifelong senior colleague, a gentle intellectual and a humble soul who embodied the aspirations of India, having risen through the ranks with unwavering dedication."

"I am proud to have been a part of his Cabinet as Labour Minister, Railway Minister and Social Welfare Minister. A man of action rather than words, his immense contribution to nation-building will forever be etched in the annals of Indian history. In this moment of sorrow, I extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers. May they get the strength to overcome this huge loss. His enduring legacy of ushering in India’s growth, welfare, and policies of inclusivity will forever be cherished. May his soul rest in eternal peace," he added. 

Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid took to his X handle and wrote, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India. His contributions to the nation and his dedication to public service will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”

"Few people in politics inspire the kind of respect that Sardar Manmohan Singh ji 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. He was genuinely egalitarian, wise, strongwilled and courageous until the end. A uniquely dignified and gentle man in the rough world of politics," read Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's X post. 

Singh, who retired from the Rajya Sabha in April this year, shot to prominence as the country's Finance Minister in the government headed by PV Narasimha Rao during 1991-96, having brought in sweeping reforms that transformed the economy.

As the two-term Prime Minister of the UPA, he stayed at the top post from 2004 and 2014 and served as a member of the Rajya Sabha till early this year.

In his political career, Singh has been a member of the Rajya Sabha since 1991, where he was Leader of the Opposition between 1998 and 2004.

Manmohan Singh was sworn in as Prime Minister on May 22 after the 2004 general elections and took the oath of office for a second term on May 22, 2009.

He represented Assam for five terms in the Upper House and shifted to Rajasthan in 2019.

His last intervention in Parliament was against demonetisation, describing it as an "organised loot and legalised plunder”.

Born on September 26, 1932, in Punjab, Singh received his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Economics from Panjab University in 1952 and 1954 respectively.

Manmohan Singh completed his Economic Tripos from Cambridge University in 1957. He followed this with a D.Phil in Economics from Oxford University in 1962.

(With inputs from IANS)