Top political leaders, global leaders and business tycoons, on Thursday, December 26, mourned the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Expressing deep sadness, they said that his leadership, humility, and dedication will always be remembered. Singh is often credited with initiating major economic reforms in 1991 when he was the Finance Minister, which helped modernise India's economy and integrate it into the global market. His UPA government between 2004 and 2014 was also known for implementing crucial legislation in areas such as education, food security, and information.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the death of former PM Manmohan Singh, who passed away in Delhi AIIMS at the age of 92. 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."
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences saying, "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 the 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."
Home Minister Amit Shah said, "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."
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said, “A Padma Vibhushan awardee and architect of India's economic liberalisation in 1991, he boldly steered our nation through a critical transition, opening new pathways for growth and prosperity. As the Vice-President of India, I had the privilege to engage in meaningful, insightful interactions with Dr. Singh at his residence. His profound understanding of economy, gentle demeanor and unwavering commitment to India's progress will forever be etched in my memory. In Dr. Singh's passing, India has lost a leader of towering intellect and a statesman par excellence. His legacy will forever guide Bharat's growth trajectory. My heartfelt condolences to his family and countless admirers in this difficult hour."
BJP President JP Nadda said that the demise of the former PM is an "immense loss for the entire country" and called Singh a "visionary statesman and a stalwart of Indian politics".
"Throughout his remarkable career in public service, he (Dr Singh) consistently voiced for the welfare of the downtrodden. His leadership earned admiration and respect across party lines. Dr. Manmohan Singh's legacy will continue to inspire generations in their pursuit of nation-building. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers," the BJP President added.
Callin him a visionary leader, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recalled Dr Singh’s terms as the Governor of RBI and as Finance Minister of India. “Presented the milestone budget of 1991 which liberalised the Indian economy. Respected by all, he was soft-spoken and gentle. Condolences to his family and friends,” she said
Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, said, “His contributions to India's economic reforms charted a new path of development for the nation. A political stalwart, his wisdom, humility, and dedication to public service earned him respect and admiration across the political spectrum.”
Union Minister of Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw said that Singh’s leadership, humility, and dedication will always be remembered.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan remembered Manmohan Singh as a man of simplicity. “Dr. Manmohan Singh was very humble, simple and straightforward. As Chief Minister, I always got his guidance on many subjects. Dr. Saheb was synonymous with clean politics. His liberalisation policies in the 90s hold an important place in giving impetus to the Indian economy," he said.
Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram said that the life and work of Singh and the period from 1991 till 2014 will be a “golden chapter in the history of India”. “I worked closely with him for many years. I have not met a person more humble and self-effacing than Dr Singh…The story of India turned after Dr Singh became Finance Minister. And the present middle class of India was virtually the creation of his policies as Finance Minister and Prime Minister,” he said.
“His story has not been told fully. His achievements have not been recorded fully. I am sure when we look back upon the 23 years that Dr Singh was in active politics, we will realize his true contribution,” he further added.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was the Railway Minister during the second term of the Congress-led UPA government led by former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, said that she is "profoundly stunned and saddened by the sudden demise of our former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh".
"I had worked with him and saw him from very close quarters in the Union Cabinet. His erudition and wisdom were unquestionable, and the depth of the financial reforms ushered in by him in the country is widely acknowledged," the Chief Minister's statement said. She also added that while the country will miss Manmohan Singh's stewardship, she will personally miss his affection.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said, “The demise of former Prime Minister of India and great economist Dr. Manmohan Singh is an irreparable loss for the political world. While paying tribute, I pray to God to grant peace to the departed soul. While performing the duties of RBI Governor, Finance Minister and Prime Minister, he participated in the efforts for the economic prosperity of the country with his efficient and farsighted policies and faced various challenges boldly. He will always be remembered for his contribution to the economic development of the country. I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief."
Politicians from across the party lines in Madhya Pradesh expressed grief over the demise of Manmohan Singh. Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh expressed condolences, saying Singh has added to the dignity of every post he held.
Congress veteran Kamal Nath, who was a minister in Manmohan Singh's cabinet, said the latter's demise had caused irreparable loss to the entire nation. "I was among those fortunate people who got the opportunity to work as a Union Minister during his tenure as Prime Minister," Kamal Nath said in a statement.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that Singh was a skilled politician and economist and that under his leadership, India's economy got a new direction.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said, "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.” As per the statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, CM Majhi in a message said that "late Manmohan Singh was a great son of the country".
Several other leaders including Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and ex-CM Naveen Patnaik have also expressed their condolences on the sad demise of the ex-PM Manmohan Singh.
Calling Singh as the architect of economic reforms, BJD supremo Patnaik wrote: "He has served the country illustriously in different capacities. The erudite and humble leader will be remembered as the architect of economic reforms which provided the foundation for the new India and brought positive changes in the lives of people. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and followers."
Chief Ministers of several northeastern states, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, expressed their condolences.
“I have had the privilege of knowing Dr Manmohan Singh ji since 1991, when he was first elected to the Rajya Sabha from Assam, a state he represented for 28 years. 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. During his tenure as Prime Minister, I have had the opportunity to interact with him on several occasions regarding issues pertaining to Assam, and he always gave us a patient hearing and displayed a strong conviction towards social issues,” Assam CM Himanta said.
Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu said, "His phenomenal contributions to economic reforms as the Finance Minister in the early 1990s laid the foundation of a vibrant and resilient India. Dr Singh's passing marks the end of an era in Indian politics.” Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma said that his unparalleled contributions to India's growth and governance will always be remembered.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condoled Singh’s demise 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! I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant salvation to the departed soul and give strength to his bereaved family and supporters to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti!"
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in his condolence message, described Singh as a towering statesman and the architect of India’s economic reforms in the early 1990s, which transformed the nation’s economy. “Dr. Manmohan Singh's deep concern for the development of Jammu and Kashmir was evident throughout his tenure. His initiatives, including the extension of rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, brought new opportunities for the region and its people. His efforts to engage with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, along with his unwavering support for dialogue and reconciliation, reflected his deep commitment to the welfare of the region,” he said.
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai described Singh as an unwavering ally and friend to the people of Afghanistan. Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed also shared his grief, portraying Singh as a "benevolent father figure" and a cherished friend of the Maldives.
Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, highlighted his significant contributions to Indo-Russian relations, stating that his "contribution to our bilateral ties was immeasurable." Alipov also described Singh as an "expert economist" and praised his “commitment to the progress of India”.
Adani Group Chairman, Gautam Adani, expressed his deepest condolences, saying that he was a rare leader who spoke softly but achieved monumental strides through his actions. “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,” he said and added that Singh was “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.”
Meanwhile, RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka said that Singh was a true statesman whose quiet demeanour belied his transformative impact. “An architect of economic reforms, he shaped modern India with intellect, grace, and integrity. A leader who let actions speak louder than words. RIP,” Goenka said.
Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra wrote: “Farewell Dr. Manmohan Singh. You loved this nation. And your service to it will long be remembered. Om Shanti”.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, renowned economist and architect of India’s economic reforms, passed away on December 26 at the age of 92. He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi following deterioration in his health condition.
(With IANS inputs)