NEW DELHI: Former Prime Minister and Congress veteran passed away at the age of 92 in New Delhi. He was admitted to the emergency department of AIIMS hospital on Thursday evening.He served as India's Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. His political career ended earlier this year in April when he retired from Rajya Sabha.
Singh, who was the finance minister in the then Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao-led dispensation from 1991-1996, is credited as a key architect of the economic reforms affected by the government that broke the stranglehold of socialist-era policies.
In his political career, Singh had been a member of the Rajya Sabha since 1991, where he was leader of the opposition between 1998 and 2004.
Renowned for his dedication, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had remarked earlier this year, "Dr Manmohan Singh worked even in a wheelchair.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of Singh and said India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders.Taking to X, he said, “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.”
"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 in this hour of grief. May Waheguru grant peace to his soul and give strength to his family to bear this grief," said home minister Amit Shah in a post on X.
Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani in a post said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Manmohan Singh. 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.”
