Jodhpur (Rajasthan) [India], December 27 : Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday expressed grief over the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and said that an era of economic reforms has ended with the passing away of Dr Manmohan Singh.
Speaking to ANI, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan says, "An era of economic reforms has ended with the passing away of Dr Manmohan Singh. The economic reforms he brought gave a new speed and direction to the country."
Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Jairam Thakur, expressed deep sorrow over his demise, terming his death as an irreplaceable loss.
"Hailing from a small village, Dr. Manmohan Singh studied at some of the world's prestigious institutions and contributed to the nation in significant ways. As an economist, he will be remembered as a pioneer of India's current economic liberalization. He led the country during challenging times and guided it through various difficulties," former Himachal CM said.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also expressed grief over his death and said that the country has lost not only a politician but also an economist. Saini added that Singh will always be remembered for his simplicity and his economic decisions.
Speaking to ANI, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini said, "The country has lost not only a politician but also an economist. His journey from being born in a Punjab village to becoming an economist and the PM shows his commitment to serving the nation. He will always be remembered for his simplicity and his economic decisions. I pray to God that his soul rests in peace."
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav condoled his demise and said that the former PM was rich in talent, the country found new direction at several places due to his talent and policies.
"An economist, former Prime Minister and former Finance Minister, who held many such important responsibilities, Dr Manmohan Singh's departure among us is very painful. Rich in talent has left us. He was a very nice person. The country has found a new direction at several places due to his talent and his policies. I pray to Baba Mahakal to give him a place at His lotus feet. Om Shanti," Yadav told ANI.
Former President Ramnath Kovind expressed his grief over Singh's demise and termed him as an 'architect' of the Indian economy.
"The passing of Dr Manmohan Singh is not just a setback for the nation but also a personal loss for me. I have known him for so long. He was an example of politeness. I believe that he was an architect of the Indian economy. I pay my tribute to him," former President Kovind said in a self made video.
Robert Vadra, businessman and husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi also expressed grief saying that Singh was very humble and a Prime Minister who made all the difference to the country.
Speaking to ANI, Vadra said, "He was very humble, a PM who made all the difference to the country. I had an interaction with him, where I found him very humble in his way, he was very real and grounded. It was not about optics. It is not what is happening today with the PM we see now. He spoke for the people. He had a lot of knowledge about the economy. The country prospered with him at that time."
In a post on X, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed sadness over Singh's demise saying that his honesty will always be an inspiration for us and he will forever stand tall among those who truly love this country.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his last respects to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at his residence in Delhi.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Health Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda also paid their last respects to Manmohan Singh.
Congress leaders, including KC Venugopal, were also present at the former PM's residence.
Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday evening at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. He had a sudden loss of consciousness at home after which he was rushed to the AIIMS Delhi.
The mortal remains of the former PM will be kept at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in Delhi for public viewing. As per the Congress party sources, the 'last darshan' will be scheduled for Saturday between 8:00 am to 10:00 am.
Manmohan Singh was born on September 26, 1932. Apart from being an economist, Manmohan Singh served as Reserve Bank of India governor from 1982-1985. He was the 13th PM of India with his tenure from 2004-2014 and was the longest-serving PM after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
Serving as the finance minister of India in PV Narasimha Rao's government, Singh has been given credit for economic liberalisation in the country in 1991. The reforms made the Indian economy more accessible to foreign investors, which increased FDI and reduced government control. It greatly contributed to the country's economic growth.
The Right to Information Act (RTI) was passed in 2005 under the Manmohan Singh government, which made the transparency of information between the government and the public better.
Dr Manmohan Singh retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year after serving for 33 years.