New Delhi [India], December 27 : Congress Delhi President Devendra Yadav said on Friday that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gave the confidence to the nation that we are self-reliant and his passing is a big loss to the nation.
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.
Speaking to ANI, Yadav said, "Dr Manmohan Singh was that person who took care of the country as Finance Secretary, RBI Governor and PM when the country was going through an economic crisis. He gave the confidence to the nation that we are self-reliant. His passing is a big loss to the nation."
Congress leader Sushil Shinde said, "I am deeply sad at the passing away of Dr Manmohan Singh...He had inducted me into his Cabinet."
In his condolence message, LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said that he had lost a mentor in Manmohan Singh.
"Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Kaur and the family. I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride," he said.
Meanwhile, the Central government has declared a seven-day period of state mourning across India, starting December 26 following the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
As a mark of respect, a Union Home Ministry message reads, the mourning period will be observed from December 26, 2024, to January 1, 2025 both days inclusive.
"During this period the national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India where it is regularly flown and there will be no official entertainment during the period of state mourning. It has also been decided that the state funeral will be accorded to late Dr. Manmohan Singh," the message mentions.
It further pointed that the "national flag shall also fly half-mast on the day of funeral in all Indian missions and High Commissions of India abroad."
Singh is survived by his wife Gurcharan Singh and three daughters.
A globally renowned economist, Singh began his political journey during the 1991 economic crisis when then-Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao appointed him as Finance Minister. Known for spearheading transformative economic reforms in the 1990s, he leaves behind a distinguished legacy of political and economic contributions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also condoled the demise of former Prime Minister on Thursday.