New Delhi:
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh died at Delhi’s AIIMS hospital on Thursday. He was 92.
In a statement, the hospital said the Congress veteran was being treated for age-related medical conditions and had “sudden loss of consciousness at home”. “Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9.51pm,” the statement said.
Manmohan Singh was Prime Minister for two terms in the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government from 2004 to 2014. He had been in poor health for the last few months.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered his predecessor as the “most distinguished leaders“. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said he “lost a mentor and guide“.
Other leaders across party lines also offered their tributes to the former prime minister.
Manmohan Singh gave new direction to country’s economy: Ram Nath Kovind
Former President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday paid glowing tributes to former prime minister Manmohan Singh, saying that he took over the reins as Union finance minister at a time when the country faced a crisis on the economic front.
Describing the death of Dr Singh as his personal loss, Mr Kovind said at a programme in the city that Singh embodied humility and humbleness.
“Never heard an offensive, unparliamentary word from him,” Mr Kovind said.
Dr Singh gave a new direction in the economy to the country and steered the country at a critical juncture, Mr Kovind said, adding that “Manmohan Singh will be remembered as ‘adhunik nirmata sudharak’ (modern reformer who built up the economy).” Singh took over the helms at a crucial time for Indian economy and steered the nation on the economic front, Mr Kovind said.
7-day state mourning declared in Assam in honour of Manmohan Singh
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a 7-day state mourning in honour of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who passed away on Thursday.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that all official entertainment programs have been cancelled for the next seven days.
