On Thursday evening, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former prime minister, died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at the age of 92. From May 2004 to May 2014, Singh led the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the centre. He was the 13th prime minister of India and the first Sikh to occupy the prestigious position.
We regret to announce the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former prime minister of India, who was 92 years old. On December 26, 2024, while undergoing treatment for age-related illnesses, he suddenly lost consciousness at home. At home, resuscitation efforts were initiated right away. At 8:06 PM, he was taken to AIIMS, New Delhi's Medical Emergency. The hospital confirmed the Congress veteran's death in a statement, saying, "Despite all efforts, he could not be recovered and was proclaimed dead at 9:51 PM."
Primate Minister Narendra Modi mourned the passing of one of India's "most distinguished leaders" and praised Manmohan Singh's ascent from humble beginnings to recognition as an economist. "His wisdom and humility were always obvious," PM Modi remarked, recalling Singh's remarks.
Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, meanwhile, expressed his condolences on the loss of his "master and advisor." Millions of people who looked forward to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would "remember him with the highest pride," Rahul wrote in his post on X. The former prime minister's passing was mourning by a number of notable Congress heavyweights, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Celebrities from around the world also grieved Dr. Manmohan Singh's passing. In a post on X, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai claimed that India has lost "one of its most renowned sons." Mohamed Nasheed, the former president of the Maldives, claimed that he considered the former prime minister to be a "benevolent father figure" and a close friend of the Maldives.
On Thursday, the Congress declared that all official party events, including its foundation day celebrations, would be cancelled for the following seven days in observance of the former prime minister. The grand old party also called off Friday's "Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan Rally" in Belgaum, Karnataka. According to Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, the party's programmes will all restart on January 3, 2025.
In remembrance of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Union government announced a seven-day period of mourning. The National Flag will be flown at half mast throughout India during this time, and there will not be any official entertainment for seven days. Additionally, all Indian High Commissions and missions overseas have been asked to put on the half-mask. To honour the "architect of India's economic reforms," the Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Friday at 11 a.m.
Congress leader KC Venugopal declared that Dr. Manmohan Singh's final ceremonies would take place in New Delhi on Saturday and that a formal declaration would be issued shortly. The central government said in a notice that Singh's funeral would be held with full state honours. On Thursday, the mortal remains of the former prime minister were taken to his home at 3 Motilal Nehru Marg. The public will be able to pay their final respects to Singh's body.
