New Delhi [India], December 27 : BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said on Friday that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh touched the hearts of the people and his tenure as a PM will be known for so many things.
"This is very sad news. Be it whatever party he was from, he has touched the hearts of the people. His tenure as a PM will be known for so many things. PM Modi has announced a national mourning of seven days. He will never be forgotten," Tiwari told ANI.
Rajya Sabha MP and former Union Minister Anbumani Ramadoss recalled his experience of serving in Manmohan Singh's cabinet from 2004-2009.
He said, "India has lost one of its greatest leaders. I was shocked when I learnt the news yesterday. Dr Manmohan Singh was a very simple man with impeccable integrity. I had the good fortune of serving under him as the Health Minister of India from 2004-2009. The first day I met him after being sworn in as a minister I asked him what should I do. He asked me to take care of the rural healthcare. It was after this we launched a rural healthcare mission. He gave me 100% freedom to work for the country. It was because of him I could roll out '108' ambulance service, eradication of Polio, ban on smoking in public places etc. He was like a fatherly figure to me."
Earlier today, President Droupadi Murmu paid her last respects to Manmohan Singh at his residence in Delhi. During her visit, she offered condolences to his family members.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar and his wife, the second lady of India, Sudesh Dhankar on Friday paid their final respects to the former Prime Minister. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi also paid their final respects to the former PM.
Singh, renowned for introducing the 1991 economic liberalisation reforms as the Finance Minister of India, will be cremated near Rajghat, at the location where the last rites of Prime Ministers are performed.
Several politicians and personalities from all walks of life have been expressing their sorrow over the demise of former PM Manmohan Singh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday night said that condoled the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying that India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders.
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.